Attempted Sinking of Historic Vessel on Erie Canal

WATERFORD, March 9, 2010 -- A Waterford man faces serious charges after stealing a vehicle and trying to sink a historic vessel.

On Monday, New York State Police, Troop T, Albany, were called to Erie Canal Locks in Waterford, by employees of the New York State Education Department. The Education Department moors the historic vessel "DAY PECKINPAUGH" at the locks.
 
Employees discovered someone had entered the ship and opened valves flooding the vessel. Also a 1973 Chevlorlet Blazer owned by the Education Dept. had been taken from the site. The employees closed the valves, used pumps and a private tug to keep the ship from sinking.
 
 
The investigation revealed an ex-employee of the Education Dept who worked on the ship until March 25 had entered it on Sunday and opened the valves to flood it. He then stole the vehicle from the site which he abandoned and was later recovered in Waterford.
 
 
The vessel sustained extensive damage due to the flooding and repairs are expected to be in excess of $10,000 but the exact amount of damage has not been determined. The State Police arrested Guy J. Pucci, 35, of Hudson Street, Waterford, for second-degree criminal mischief and fourth-degree grand larceny.
 
 
The defendant was arraigned in the Village of Waterford Court and he was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail on $5,000 bail pending further court action.