Received notification of this accident at approx. 07:35 on 04/25/09.  Advised that individuals had launched at Allen's Ferry in Fulton and 2 of the occupants were at that location with Hempstead County deputies.  Made contact with both occupants and was advised that their boat went down at the mouth of the Red River and Little River.  Passenger 2 advised they were going to fish on a sand bar located on the left side of the river.  He stated as they approached the end of Little River into Red River they saw the sand bar on the left and began to slow down and turn toward it.  At this time the front bow area of V1 went under the water and water began to flood over into the boat.  All 4 men either fell out or jumped from V1.  No one was wearing a life jacket at the time.  Passenger 2 stated the life jackets were in the front bow box but they had fire wood stacked on top of the bow box preventing them from being used.  He said they also had 2 ice chests, one filled with food and drinks and the other with bait.  They also had fishing equipment and lighting equipment to be used on the sand bar that night. Passenger 2 along with Passenger 4 were able to swim to the sand bar.  Passenger 2 then stated he turned toward the river and observed V1 continuing to travel down river with the 2 victims approx. 25 yards behind it.  Passengers 2 and 4 began to call out to the victims, at which time it is believed that the Operator yelled back advising them he did not think he was going to make it.  Passenger 4 advised he continued to see V1 travel down river around the bend until it was out of sight.  He advised the bow light and stern light was all that was sticking out of the water.  

Both victims were recovered during the next few days.  The operator's body was found on 5/27/09 and Passenger 3's body was found on 05/28/09.

Upon inspection it was discovered that V1's capacity plate had been removed.  Contact with the boat manufacturer determined the maximum capacity for this type vessel and it was determined that V1 was improperly loaded (too much weight on bow) and overloaded due to all the equipment:  4 PFDs, approximately 60 unopened cans of Bud Light beer, two fishing poles, one spot light, paddle, fish net, etc.  V1 still had the bilge pump on and was still operating upon the time of recovery.

BAC results still pending for operator.  * 06/26/09 UPDATE:  State Crime Lab results for the operator - .05 BAC, positive for Benzodiazepines, positive for Cannabinoids and positive for Methamphetamines.
FULTON                        