Victim identified after boat overturns in Somers

SOMERS (WABC) -- Authoriteis have identified the victim of a boating accident in Putnam County Tuesday afternoon.

Two fishermen fell out of their boat and into Croton Falls Reservoir just before 2:30 p.m.

One of the men, identified as John Scales, 73, of Manhattan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second passenger of the boat, Joe Gay Jr., 82, of Manhattan, swam to shore and was taken to the Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel. Gay was released from the hospital Tuesday evening.

A preliminary investigation found that at least one of the fishermen was sitting on a boat seat inside the boat, and both men fell out of the boat along with the seat, according to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

The boat did not capsize. It's unclear at this time what caused the fishermen to lose their balance and fall. Both men were in possession of personal flotation devices, but neither was wearing them, authorities say.

The safety vests were found inside the boat when first responders arrived at the scene.

Authorities say the boat was allowed in the reservoir and had proper tags and valid access permits.

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