On 6/19/10 at approximately 16:25 hours I, CPL with Georgia Department of NAtural Resources responded in reference to a capsized vessel at the dock located at the rear of the residence. Upon arrival I made contact with Troup Sheriff's Office and residence/dock owner who informed that one male and one female persons came to his back door asking for assistance with a sunken vessel. 911 was called at that time and GA DNR and Troup County Sheriff's office personnel were dispatched to the scene. 

Dock owner and Sheriff’s Office guided me to the covered boat dock behind the residence where I made contact with Operator (incident vessel owner) and incident vessel passenger. I walked onto the dock talking with Operator and Occupant and observed the bow of a black and white bass boat protuding from the surface of the water. I began photographing the vessel. Operator stated that himself and Occupant were fishing on the South  side of West Point Lake near the Railroad Trestle when a storm blew up displaying strong winds/rain. Operator operated the vessel across to North side of the same area of lake and secured vessel under a covered boat dock. Operator stated that waves of water were crashing over into the vessel and were bouncing the boat against Dock owner's dock creating damage. Operator stated he turned on vessel bilge pump and it was in operation but boat was still filling with water and began to sink. Operator stated that Occupant grabbed trolling motor and was shocked. Occupant affirmed all statements made by Operator and added that she thought lightning hit her when she touched the trolling motor. Operator called subject  and asked for assistance with the sunken vessel. subjects responded to recover the vessel. When the vessel was lifted to the surface the bilge pump was still pumping water. As the vessel was recovered I retrieved boat information (2004 21 XD Bullet Bass boat/HIN BBQ21X93K304/ GA registration #6429 UV /2005 250 Mercury XSL Outboard Engine/Serial # OT998131) and verified boating safety equipment (2 Type 3 personal flotation devices, 1 type 4 throwable device, and 1 fire extinguisher). Occupant was examined by Troup EMS personnel. Occupant stated to me that she was given no medical treatment and she did not have any visible injuries. No charges have been filed.

LaGrange                      