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Two people were injured in a boat collision on Cayuga Lake near Long Point State Park on Friday (August 1). The crash involved a 23-foot Larson boat, operated by John H. Tiaskkun from Hawthorne, Florida, and a 19-foot Tracker fishing boat, operated by Anthony J. Rapoza. The incident occurred at approximately 1:26 p.m., with the Larson boat colliding with the stationary fishing boat about 300 feet from the shoreline.
Anthony J. Rapoza sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital, where he remains in stable condition. His passenger, Paul Davis, was transported by ambulance and has since been released. According to FingerLakes1.com, four additional passengers on Tiaskkun's boat were unharmed.
An investigation revealed that Tiaskkun was at fault for the collision. His vessel lacked proper visual distress signals, and he was cited for reckless operation of a vessel, operating without a safety certification, and expired visual distress signals. The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by multiple local fire departments and ambulance services.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking additional information from the public. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.