UTICA — An old vehicle submerged in the Barge Canal in Utica prompted concerns for a possible water rescue Wednesday afternoon — but none was needed, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

Chief Deputy Jonathan Owens said the vehicle has been in the canal for some time, and canal authorities have been aware of the vehicle, which is located off Barnes Avenue. Owens said a passerby thought they saw a person with the vehicle and called 911 around 4:12 p.m. Wednesday.

Rescue personnel responded to check and Owens said it was just a piece of debris. He said the Sheriff's Office's Dive Team is expected to head back to the vehicle sometime this week to check the VIN number to investigate it further. 

Owens said there was no emergency and this was not a fresh crash.