On april 22, 2011, three people left from a marina close to the hwy 172 bridge to go flounder fishing.  They left arount 9:50pm.  As they headed across the new river to ellis cove, they realized that the water was too rough and decided to turn around to come back.  When operator turned the vessel around they were now heading against the wind and into the waves.  The vessel began to take on water from the bow.  Operator sped up and then the vessel nose dived into the waves.  The vessel flooded and became swamped.  The two men decided to exit the vessel and swim for some barrels floating in the water.  As they swam, operator became exhausted and went under the water.  He was not seen again until his body was found on 5/1/2011 about two miles away.  occupant was able to make it to a barrel and later the shore where he called for help at 10:48pm.  They were on a 14ft jon boat with fishing gear and a generator for flounder gigging.  The vessel washed ashore not far from where the men exited it.  They had the proper safety equipment on the vessel.  There were two type ii pfds on the vessel when it washed up.  They were in an open compartment in the bow of the vessel.  There was no alcohol or drugs involved.  The vessel did not have a valid registration at the time of operation.
SNEADS FERRY                  