Due to no witnesses, it is impossible to define the exact cause of the accident, who was operating the boat, and who the passengers were.  However, due to the small size of the boat, overloading is probably the primary cause of the boat capsizing.  The boat's capacity plate indicated a maximum load of two persons or 300 lbs.  The weight of the recovered items (generator, 95 lbs., battery, 45lbs, and trolling motor, 30 lbs) totaled 165 lbs.  This weight, along with passengers, other gear not recovered, lights, rail, and the typical movement associated with gigging fish, would affect the stability of a boat this size. It is probable that another subject entered the water to assist because his boots and a lantern were found on the bank near the site of the boat.  However, another individual could have entered the water voluntarily and left no evidence on the bank.  Considering the water temperature, it would have been very difficult or impossible to conduct a successful rescue by swimming to the victims.  Family members stated that the operator usually operated the boat, and usually carried one passenger while gigging, but these facts are unknown.
TUNAS                         