Oswego (WSYR-TV) - The Coast Guard and Oswego Fire Department pulled four fishermen from the Oswego River after they were swept away by rising water released by the hydroelectric plant. Two were treated on the scene, and two others were taken to the hospital. At the hospital, one was pronounced dead and the other is currently in serious condition.
Adam Armstrong says he was among eight or ten other fishermen around 12:45 p.m. when the water level rose and the other men were swept away. He says the witnesses threw 50 gallon trash cans into the water for the men to grab onto, but the water pulled them away too quickly.
The two who were treated by EMS and released on the scene were found clinging to objects near the Bridge Street Bridge. The two who were pulled from the river were rescued near the former Coleman's property. They were taken to Oswego Hospital.
Armstrong says he has fished along the Oswego River throughout his life, and that water level increases are not uncommon. The water is routinely released by the hydroelectric plant. When that happens, however, a siren that warns the level is about to rise. Armstrong says no alarm was sounded Tuesday afternoon before the fishermen were swept away.
The Oswego City Police Department is investigating the incident and say information about the identities of the four victims will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
Update: the second guy passed.
Very sad
