Two boaters knocked into the lake, one’s foot nearly severed
CAYUGA COUNTY -- Luckily for boaters in distress near Fair Haven last July 28th, Cayuga County’s Sheriff boat patrol was nearby.
Navigational Assistant Terry Lozier and Deputy Tom Cordway noticed the boat going in circles off McIntyre Bluffs, and when they got close they realized two men were in the water.
19 year old Christopher Pritchard was brought aboard without injury, but 22 year old Matthew Pritchard had his foot nearly severed by the disabled boat’s still spinning propeller. The rescuers were able to stabilize his condition, and stop him from bleeding out, but the Pritchards refused to leave the boat until the third person aboard, 21 year old Ashlie Crawford, was accounted for. They found her, unconscious aboard the boat.
Because of their quick thinking and emergency medical skills, the boaters are fine. Matthew, who’s an Oswego Sheriff’s deputy, had his foot reattached, and will be able to work with no disability.
For their rescue, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Cordway and Navigational Assistant Terry Lozier have been awarded this year’s Adult Good Samaritan award by the Red Cross.
