First responders are pictured Thursday along Lake Erie after a man fell into the water and did not resurface. Several agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, took part in a search for the man. Photos by the Ripley Hose Co.

RIPLEY — What started as a fishing excursion Thursday morning on Lake Erie turned tragic when the captain of a fishing charter boat fell into the water and did not resurface. The accident sparked a sprawling search of the lake throughout the day and included local water rescue members and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said the charter boat, which included the captain and four passengers, was about a half-mile from the shore in the town of Ripley when the captain fell in to the water.

Sheriff James Quattrone said the passengers were out fishing on the boat when the accident occurred. He told The Post-Journal the captain may have been trying to assist with a fishing line when he tripped and entered the water.

First responders were alerted to the water emergency at about 8:30 a.m. The subsequent search included the county Water Emergency Team, U.S. Coast Guard and area firefighters, among other state and local agencies.

Boats and water rescue equipment were launched from the Barcelona Pier in Westfield.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, the man had not been recovered from the water. His name was not released, though the Sheriff’s Office was attempting to contact his family.

“No foul play is suspected,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. “Updated information will be following.”