" On May 30, 2010,  Operator and subjects were fishing in the Medway River, Liberty County, near the "green" # 3 marker when the waves started increasing.  The rear of the boat started being swamped by waves.  They tried to start the engine but it would not start.  They then found that the batteries were under water in the boat.  The boat continued to be swamped by waves and started filling with water until it began to list.  The boat then capsized.  The occupants were in the water for approximately three minutes before they could wave down a passing boater who rescued them.  The owner contacted Sea Tow - St. Catherine's, who came out, recovered the boat and towed it to Yellow Bluff Marina.
Operator stated that they had noticed that the boat seemed to be operating sluggishly when they first started their trip, but it eventually got up on a "plane".  Operator believes that the boat had been sitting for two weeks with the drain plug still in place and rain water had gotten into the boat.  He failed to remove the plug and drain out any water before launching the boat.  The presence of the rain water added to the weight of the boat and caused it to be easily swamped by the high waves.  Operator stated that he had not had this boat for very long and was unfamiliar with this type of boat and was use to using open aluminum boats in previous experiences.
     Operator estimates the cost of damage to the boat to be $2500.00 (the market value of the boat is $5000.00).  He believes that the outboard motor is salvageable and will be okay.

SUNBURY                       