A Watervliet Reservoir worker has died in an on-the-job accident after suffering a medical emergency, according to Guilderland police.
Crews from several area fire departments were called to the Watervliet Reservoir around 11:30 a.m. today for a water rescue after a worker allegedly suffered a fatal medical emergency.
Police said because of the location of the incident, emergency responders initially mobilized for a search and rescue. They soon determined that the individual had not entered or fallen into the water and the person was part of a work crew performing maintenance on the dam structure at the top of a waterfall. Police said after rescuers reached the worker on the dam, attempts were made to revive the individual but were unsuccessful.
Police said the dams structure made it hard for rescuers to remove the body, and rescue boats were unable to deployed due to the location of the reservoir’s waterfall. Fire department and police personnel eventually used a system of ropes to send and retrieve a rescue basket carrying the individual.
Police said the individual has been removed from the reservoir. The worker’s identity is not being released at this time.
Members of the Fort Hunter Fire Department, Guilderland Center Fire Department and Slingerlands Fire Department responded to the call. In addition, the Guildelrand Police, Albany County Sheriff, Guilderland EMS and the Altamont Rescue Squad were also activated.