Two Men Rescued After 5 Hours in Oneida Lake Following Boat Capsize

July 27, 2025

ONEIDA LAKE, NY — Two men are safe after spending more than five harrowing hours in the waters of Oneida Lake when their fishing boat partially capsized on Sunday afternoon, according to the Oneida County Sheriff Office.

The ordeal began around 8:30 a.m. when Joseph Davis, 77, and Brian Palmer, 66, were out fishing in their 16-foot Starcraft vessel. Rough waters and a mechanical failure caused the boat to begin taking on water near Godfrey Point, eventually leaving both men stranded in the lake.

At approximately 2:25 p.m., the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit responded to a report of a capsized boat with a person in the water near buoy 117. Before deputies arrived, a good Samaritan had already pulled one man to safety. Shortly after, a second good Samaritan located and rescued the other man, who was also found drifting in the lake.

Both men were brought to shore and evaluated by EMS as a precaution. Thankfully, both were wearing life jackets, which authorities say played a crucial role in their survival.

The Sheriff’s Office credited the quick actions of the civilian rescuers, along with assistance from the Cleveland and Sylvan Beach Fire Departments and Vineall Ambulance, for helping bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

Authorities say the vessel was later recovered, still partially capsized.