Body of fishing charter captain who fell in Lake Erie recovered

Authorities on Friday discovered the body of a charter boat captain who went missing on July 7 after falling from his boat into Lake Erie near Ripley, New York, according to a news release from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was identified as 70-year-old Fred Forsythe Jr., of Coudersport, Potter County.

An investigation into the July 7 incident found that Forsythe was attempting to bring a fish into the boat when he lost his balance and entered the water about a half-mile offshore, according to the news release.

The charter guests were unfamiliar with the operation of the boat and were unable to turn around before Forsythe disappeared under the water, the release continued.

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The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 8:28 a.m. on July 7 and responded alongside the Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team and Ripley Fire Department. The active search, assisted by the New York State Underwater Recovery Team, lasted for parts of five days and was unsuccessful, according to the news release.

Forsythe's body was discovered in Evans, New York, roughly 50 miles northeast of Ripley. Authorities said no foul play is suspected in the incident.

The U.S. Coast Guard Erie Station, Fuller Hose Company and the U.S. Border Patrol Marine and Air Patrol assisted in the investigation.

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Body of fishing charter captain who fell in Lake Erie found