Sylvan Beach, NY – A Rome man was rescued Saturday afternoon after his boat struck submerged rocks and became disabled in rough waters on Oneida Lake, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the accident occurred around 2 p.m. on November 22, when Bradley T. Dougherty, 50, of Rome was operating an 18-foot, 2008 Stingray open-bow boat in a southeasterly direction near the end of the breakwater at Buoy 106.
While navigating back into the Erie Canal, Dougherty’s boat hit submerged rocks, causing it to lose power. Strong winds between 12–20 mph and 2–4 foot waves pushed the vessel into the rocky shoreline, where it became grounded.
The Sylvan Beach Volunteer Fire Department successfully rescued Dougherty from the disabled boat. He was later evaluated by Vineall Ambulance at the Erie Canal emergency wall and declined further medical treatment.
Authorities say the grounded vessel will be removed when conditions allow, with Triple T Towing and Underwater Recovery scheduled to complete the operation on November 23.
No additional injuries were reported, and the incident remains under review by the Oneida County Marine Patrol Unit.
