BEMUS POINT – A Pennsylvania man lost his life following a boating accident on Chautauqua Lake.
State police say a small fishing boat carrying 66 year-old Robert Knell of Duke Center, Pa. along with another person – 65 year-old Roy Barclay – capsized as a result of high winds and choppy water on Chautauqua Lake. The accident happened Friday afternoon near the Chautauqua County Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Both men were wearing life jackets, but investigators believe Knell eventually became exhausted and let go of the capsized boat. Barclay then held onto him until the two were finally noticed by two people on shore, who then rushed to help them. Knell was unresponsive and rushed to WCA hospital. He died Saturday morning. Barclay was also treated for exposure. Police are ruling the incident an accident and no charges are being filed.
Bemus Point and Maple Springs rescue both responded at the scene.
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