Police seeking assistance after unoccupied kayak discovered on Erie Canal in Rome

ROME- Investigators from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office are reaching out to the public for assistance regarding an unoccupied kayak that was found along the Erie Canal Wednesday night in the city of Rome, NY.

Police responded to South James Street and Muck Road after a bystander called-in an orange colored kayak near the center of the canal.

Police ended up discovering a back-pack and a pair of oars, which were initialed: “E.W.H.”

Search teams completed a sweep of the area, including spotlight, thermal imaging via a drone, but yielded negative results.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is seeking assistance from the public regarding this investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the OCSO Criminal Investigations Unit at 315-765-2226.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by members of the OCSO Marine Patrol Unit, OCSO Dive Team, Rome Police Department, Rome Fire and AmCare Ambulance.

OCSO image.