Witnesses say a boat was traveling at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the shoreline and struck a tree Saturday evening, according to Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan. They reported the collision just before 8 p.m., leading emergency crews to respond to the remote cliffside location accessible only by water or steep stairs.
Bystanders tell RochesterFirst.com they found the operator, 41-year-old Benjamin Cramer of Canandaigua, ejected from the boat and injured onshore. He was conscious and breathing when located and later transferred to Strong Memorial’s trauma unit. One witness, who declined to comment on record, confirmed seeing the crash and noted the boat remained mangled around the tree days later.
Authorities urged boaters to observe shoreline speed limits and exercise caution, especially during the busy summer season when the lake is crowded with swimmers and water sport enthusiasts.
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