Crews search the lower Niagara River for an 18-year-old who vanished while fishing near Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks, say New York State Police.
NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. — State Police say crews are looking for an 18-year-old who fell into the lower Niagara River.
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The New York State Park Police say they received a call just after 10 a.m. for a report of a teen in the Niagara River near the Whirlpool stairs.
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Witnesses told police the teen was standing on a rock fishing in a restricted area with five other people when he fell into the river. The group said he was struggling to swim and stay afloat.
When a WGRZ crew arrived on scene they found the Erie County Air One helicopter making really low passes over the river near the Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole park areas of the gorge.
There were also Coast Guard and U.S. Border Patrol boats in the river and their crews were checking along the shoreline.
Other Officers walked along the shoreline trails to look for the missing teen.
A New York State Police helicopter was also seen overhead later in the day.
Police emphasize that the rocks along the shore may be extremely slippery as they could be wet and moss covered. That is why some areas are listed as restricted access with signs.
It can also be difficult to access for the search teams as some trails have been washed out or have obstructions like downed trees.
Several other agencies are assisting the New York State Park Police including: New York State Police, Canadian Park Police, Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies, and the Niagara Falls Fire Department.
New York Park Police Captain Christopher Rola says they will search through the daylight hours and then resume the search on Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Park Police at (716) 278-1777.