On 04/05/2013, at approximately 2130 hours CST, Vessel 1 (FL 5018 DB) was launched into the Choctawhatchee River from the back of a pickup truck by operator and passenger at the boat ramp located at 4664 Boat Ramp Road in Caryville, FL. 

After attaching the motor to the stern of V1, Passenger sat in the front of the vessel facing forward while Operator pushed the vessel away from the boat ramp and they starting drifting southward on the river.  As they were drifting with the river current, the vessel started to rotate around where the bow was facing north.  As this was happening, Operator attempted to crank the motor (pull cord) and was unsuccessful.  Soon thereafter, Operator stood up and placed his foot on the gunwale and attempted to crank it again.  This caused the vessel to tilt towards the port side and became swamped with water.  As a result, both Operator and passenger were ejected into the water.  Passenger was able to swim back to the vessel and hang on while Operator was calling to him for help.  Passenger yelled for Operator to grab onto the boat and hang on but never did.  Operator eventually went under the water and was located deceased on 04/09/2013.  Neither Operator nor Passenger was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.; OPERATOR,:On 04/10/2013, at approximately 10 am CST,  I attended the autopsy of the victim.  The Dr. indicated the cause of death was not caused by any trauma.  The doctor was sending tissue samples off for toxicology analysis and a final report will be forwarded to this officer when it is available.  On 04/16/13, toxicology samples were sent off by the medical examiner's office and results may take up to 90 days.  It should be noted that Operator's operator experience, operator hours in that type of vessel, operator education, and swim ability questions were given to this officer by his uncle.; PASSENGER:The passenger of the vessel was admitted to Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, FL. for treatment of mild hypothermia and latercerations he received making his way through the wooded area back to the boat ramp.
CARYVILLE