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Search continues for missing boater on Chautauqua Lake

Photo submitted to Times Observer The search for a missing boater on Chautauqua Lake resumed Sunday in Lakewood. Members of the county Water Emergency Team as well as area firefighters spent much of the day searching the lake. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said the boater may have attempted to go for a swim when he entered the water Saturday afternoon. He has not been heard from since. Photo by Eric Tichy.

LAKEWOOD, NY — The search for a missing boater who police say may have jumped into Chautauqua Lake for a swim entered its second day Sunday.

No sign of the man, identified as 47-year-old Timothy D. Yocum of Falconer, N.Y., was found following an extensive search from several local agencies, including the county Water Emergency Team and a half-dozen volunteer fire departments.

Friends and family of Yocum were at the Chautauqua County Yacht Club on East Lake Street on Sunday as watercrafts searched the lake using sonar equipment.

The Sheriff’s Office said it received word of a boater possibly missing on the lake around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Two navigation boats that were patrolling the area immediately responded to a location near Lakewood.

County dive team members began a search for Yocum shortly after he was reported missing. First responders also checked the shore near the yacht club without success Saturday.

Deputies believe the Falconer man may have jumped into the water for a swim before he went missing. Search efforts last until 9 p.m. due to darkness and resumed Sunday morning.

In a press release, the Sheriff’s Office said the search would continue Sunday night and into Monday if necessary.

Agencies involved in Yocum’s search include firefighters from Lakewood, Celoron, Bemus Point, Dewittville, Ashville and Glade Township in Pennsylvania. Members from Chautauqua County Emergency Service, Starflight helicopter, New York State Police and the Sheriff’s Office have also been assisting.

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