Drone Search Underway for Fisherman Who Fell into Mohawk River

A search operation, that included a drone was in progress for a 31-year-old man who fell into the Mohawk River near the dam at Lock 12 in Amsterdam, NY, late Thursday morning, reports CBS 6 News. According to Montgomery County Sheriff Jeffery Smith, the man was fishing when his pole got snagged and fell out of his hand. As he leaned over the wall to retrieve it, he fell into the water and was unable to get out, as reported by witnesses.

Multiple Agencies Involved in Search Efforts

Rescuers were called to the scene around 11:35 a.m. and have been conducting a detailed grid search. The search involves boats in the water and a drone in the air above the scene.

Sheriff Smith stated, “The current makes it difficult for any operation there by that wall. The turmoil of the water acts like a washing machine. It keeps things spinning around there but they’re doing everything they can to search it effectively to see if there is someone in there to make a recovery swiftly.”

Both the New York State Police and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office have brought sonar to aid in the search. The water depth in the area ranges from 2 to 15 feet.

Road Closures and Navigation Restrictions

Main Street in Fort Hunter and Tribes Hill, as well as the Lock 12 bridge, are currently closed to traffic. The sheriff’s office has requested that drivers avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays. Motorists can cross the Mohawk River in Amsterdam or Fonda.

The Erie Canal from Lock E-11 in Amsterdam to Lock E-12 in Tribes Hill is also closed to navigation due to the ongoing police activities, as per the Canal Corporation. Boaters are advised to plan their itineraries accordingly.

DroneXL’s Take

The use of a drone in this search operation highlights the increasing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in emergency response and search and rescue missions. Drones provide a bird’s-eye view of the scene, allowing responders to cover large areas quickly and efficiently. The real-time footage from the drone can help guide boats and ground teams, making the search more targeted and effective.

As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more public safety agencies incorporating UAVs into their operations. The ability to deploy drones rapidly and gather critical information from the air can make a significant difference in the outcome of search and rescue efforts, potentially saving lives in the process.

Photos courtesy of WRGB.