On 05/11/13 at approximately 6:00 PM three people launched a boat on the La moines River.  The boat was a non powered Pioneer brand, aluminum (12) twelve foot Jon type boat.  The boat was launched from the Scott''s Mill Road bridge.  During the float downriver the entire group except for Operator was consuing alcohol, specifically vodka and Boone''s Farm Wine.  Operator was the operator of the boat using an oar to keep the boat floating in the middle of the river.  The boat''s equipment was (2) two oars, (1) one of which was broken and (2) two wearable life jackets.  
          At approximately 9:30 PM the the boat struck a branch / log obstruction in the middle of the river.  Due to high water on the La moine River and swift current the boat was pushed sideways against the branch / log obstruction.  The occupants of the boats weight shifted causing the boat to capsize.  The boat capsized, quickly filled with water, sunk and ejected all of the occupants into the river.  Four all managed to swim to shore.  Operator was not located.  The group called for Operator for approximately (30) thirty minutes to no avail.  Operator did not answer any of the groups calls.  The four then walked through timber and fields for approximately (45) forty five minutes to an hour to reach a farmhouse. They knocked on a door at approximately 11:00 PM.  Good sam helped the group and called 911 to summon first responders to the scene.  
          On 05/11/13, 05/12/13, 05/13/13 and 05/14/13 recovery operations were conducted on the La moines River by Illinois Conservation Police, Morgan County Search and Rescue and various volunteers for Operator to no avail.
Ripley, IL