Lake Erie Towing and Salvage of Angola recover the weed harvester that capsized last week on Chautauqua Lake. P-J photo by A.J. Rao

LAKEWOOD — The five-ton, 35-year-old weed harvester that capsized last week on Chautauqua Lake was recovered Wednesday afternoon after a tedious, four-hour effort.

The Chautauqua Lake Association vessel, which cuts and controls excessive aquatic plant growth on the lake, reportedly took on water and capsized on July 18 as CLA officials were towing it back to headquarters for service.

Doug Conroe, CLA executive director, told The Post-Journal he was “relieved” to see it recovered Wednesday and hopes to conduct a further inspection of the vessel to determine why it took on water.

The recovery was conducted by Lake Erie Towing and Salvage out of Angola. The vessel will be towed to CLA headquarters, where it will be inspected.