Press release
On July 15th, 2024, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division assisted with an incident on Lake Ontario near the Monroe-Orleans County Line.
On 7/14/24, Peter Keppler (71) of Medina and William Wittman (44) of Albion, were out fishing on their 1994 26’ fishing boat, approximately five miles offshore. At some point, the vessel began taking on water and the bilge pump was not functioning.
The two individuals, equipped with life vests, eventually ended up in the water. After being in the water for over five hours, the two individuals were able to successfully swim to shore at Knapp Shores in Kendall. The vessel was found partially submerged in Lake Ontario the next morning by Orleans County Sheriff Marine Division Deputies Ryan Flaherty and Jason Barnum.
Provided Sheriff’s Dept. photo
The vessel was found approximately four miles northeast of Bald Eagle Marina in the Town of Kendall near the Monroe-Orleans County line. Orleans County Sheriff’s Marine Division was assisted by U.S. C.B.P. Air and Marine. Thankfully nobody was injured during the incident, and the occupants made it to shore safely. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified of the incident and are planning to remove the vessel as it was determined to be a hazard to other boaters.