Vessel - 1998, 18' fiberglass open motorboat powered by a 90 hp Suzuki engine. 

On 7/4/2013, at about 6:32 p.m., Operator had been crabbing in Hood Canal about 231 feet off shore located in Mason county.  He had just returned to mooring buoy where he tied his boat (above).  He then attempted to step into a small 10' row boat to return to shore. 

The witness reported seeing Operator having his hands on the 18' open motorboat (above) and his feet in the row boat.  The row boat started to separate from the 18' open motorboat causing Operator to be stretched out over the water.  Operator fell into the water but was still holding onto the side of the row boat.  He was unable to recover himself back into the boat. 

Witness ran out of the house and took her kayak out to rescue Operator.  When she got to Operator he told her he was having a hard time breathing.  He started to let go of the row boat.  Witness jumped into the water to assist him.  She towed him to shore where CPR was started.  Operator was not revived. 

The initial exam by the Coroner indicated that there were signs that Operator suffered a heart attack most likely triggered by the cold shock effect of falling into the water. 

No injuries / One fatality. 
There was no apparent alcohol involvement. 
There was no vessel damage. 
The operator/victim was not wearing a PFD. 
The operator/victim did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card (age exempt). 
There were no Rules of the Road Violations.
Belfair