CONESUS LAKE — The boat that sunk after a collision on the night of the Conesus Lake Ring of Fire was recovered this afternoon.

The incident, first reported by the Genesee Sun occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m shortly after the 3rd of July firework show at the north end of the lake. The Sheriff’s Marine unit arrived to the scene they found 11 people to be in the water including young children as young as 3-years-old. Deputy Ken Ippolito and Deputy Karl Bloom arrived on Marine 2 and were able to safely get all eleven people out of the water and on board the Sheriff’s boat.

“This collision could of ended much differently but fortunately all the children were wearing PFD’s,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “I commend the Marine Patrol Deputies for their quick actions and thank them for their service.”

Sheriff Dougherty further states in his press release:

Deputy Chris Smith and Deputy Jim Clark arrived on Marine 1 and located the second boat. The Deputies found both occupants of that vessel on board and accounted for but injured. 

The occupants of both boats were taken to shore at Vitale Park to be checked by EMS with non-life threatening injuries. The Lakeville Fire Department, Livonia EMS, and Avon EMS were at Vitale Park to access and aid the patients. 

The preliminary investigation shows that a 2007 Stingray was anchored in the water after watching fireworks at the north end of the lake. The boat was occupied by two people; the boats operator 35 year old Michael G. Gallton of Rochester and one passenger. As they were anchored in the water, a 2010 Cobalt being operated by 38 year old Justin S. Marvin also of Rochester, was traveling south on the lake with 10 other passengers on board. 

The preliminary investigation continues that Marvin’s boat struck the other boat causing Gallton to go overboard; Gallton was able to climb back into his boat from the water. Marvin’s boat began to take on water due to damage sustained from the collision and eventually did sink. 

Gallton and his passenger were both transported to Noyes Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and an adult and a minor from Marvin’s boat were transported to Strong Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

The GeneseeSun.com live streamed on Facebook the recovery efforts of the vessel which can be watched HERE.

The boat boat was removed by a private tow company and the the investigation is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff, Marine Patrol Unit, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division and the Forensic Identification Unit, with assistance from the Park Police based out of Letchworth.