MASSENA, NY — On Oct. 16, 2018, at approximately 12:20 a.m., State Police responded to a report of a male subject who had fallen in the water at the St. Lawrence Seaway, Eisenhower Locks. Massena Fire and Rescue responded and assisted with pulling 57-year-old Alfred Eshun of Quebec, Canada, from the water, and then initiated CPR.
An investigation revealed Eshun was working on the Canadian bulk carrier, ‘Spruceglen.’ Spruceglen was inbound, and prior to entering the Eisenhower Locks, Eshun was hoisted down the side of Spruceglen, to tie the ship off while awaiting another ship already in the locks. After being hoisted down to shore, Eshun lost his balance on the dock and fell into the water. Eshun was located within approximately three minutes, unresponsive, in the St. Lawrence Seaway. Two St. Lawrence Seaway employees entered the water to assist with removing Eshun. Both employees were transported to the Massena Memorial Hospital to be treated for possible hypothermia.
Eshun was transported to the Massena Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 2:02 a.m. St. Lawrence County Coroner James M. Sienkiewycz responded to the hospital.
An autopsy will be performed at a later time to be announced.
The investigation is continuing.
The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment is assisting with this investigation.
NY State Police news release Oct. 17, 2018