Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - After an extensive and exhaustive search of the upper Niagara River and shoreline following a Wednesday night boating accident, the search efforts for the two missing boaters have transitioned to a recovery operation.
New York State Park Police say the crash happened around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday when the boat struck a concrete abutment. Park police, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Town of Tonawanda Police, City of Tonawanda Police and other agencies searched until 3 a.m. Thursday before suspending their search.
The boat, which was "extensively damaged" according to park police, was recovered and lifted out of the water for crews to continue their investigation and accident reconstruction.
Search efforts continued along the Niagara River at daybreak.
State Park Police say the two missing boaters are believed to be 66-year-old Jerome Williams from Buffalo, and 46-year-old Natalie Sansivero of Grand Island.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information about the incident is asked to contact the State Park Police Niagara Headquarters at (716) 278-1777.