It was a dramatic scene at the brink of Niagara Falls Wednesday, as authorities received a call of a vehicle in the water with someone inside.
New York State Park Police said the vehicle entered the water upriver from the pedestrian bridge and floated, before coming to rest about 75 yards from the brink of the American falls. Police said based on witness statements, it was determined that the vehicle had one occupant.
There was massive response from both sides of the border. Park Police said Ontario River control and the New York State Power Authority were called to lower the river to aid in the rescue attempt. Helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard Detroit, Canadian Coast Guard and the Niagara County Sheriff all responded to assist.
Park Police said its Swiftwater Team and the Niagara Falls Fire Department assessed the scene, "but were unable to conduct a land-based rescue safely."
It was decided to lower a Coast Guard rescue swimmer from a hovering helicopter to pull the victim from a submerged vehicle, as it was stuck in the rushing rapids. The swimmer climbed into the car and pulled out the body of its lone occupant, a woman in her 60s, who was found dead.
Authorities said the woman lived in the area. Her name was not released pending notification of relatives.
The vehicle remains stuck in the rapids. Officials are trying to determine the best way to remove it from the Niagara River.
