Oneida County, NY (WIBX) - Unsafe speed and possible driver inattention are being blamed for a boat accident that claimed the lives of a father and his two sons.  That's according to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, who announced the conclusion of his department's investigation into the deadly July 5th accident on Oneida Lake.

The investigation also revealed that two of the victims were unable to swim and none of the men were wearing life jackets. Anthony P. Aceto, Timothy Aceto, and Steven Aceto drowned after their boat hit a buoy during the 4th of July celebration. Their deaths has been ruled asphyxiation due to drowning.

Maciol says the "unsafe speed" finding was due to night time conditions, and the possible "driver inattention" was caused by the fireworks along the south shore of Oneida Lake. Also, Maciol says quick rescue actions by Robert Luckina,  who was traveling with the Aceto’s and Anthony Pinto, who was fishing near the accident, saved Anthony J. Aceto and aided rescue units responding to the scene.

Agencies that assisted in rescue attempts and the recovery are:

  • Sylvan Beach Fire Dept.
  • North Bay Fire Dept.
  • Cleveland Fire Dept.
  • Constantia Fire Dept.
  • Brewerton Fire Dept.
  • South Bay Fire Dept.
  • West Monroe Fire Department
  • Bridgeport Fire Dept.
  • New York State Police and their Dive team and Helicopter
  • Onondaga Sheriff’s helicopter
  • US Coast Guard
  • US Coast Guard Auxiliary
  • Oswego Co Sheriff’s Office

More From WIBX 950