While fishing, the victim's line became tangled on a tree limb.  After freeing the line, he stood up and lost his balance.  He fell backwards into the water, causing the operator to fall overboard as well.  The operator was able to re-enter the boat.  The third individual on the boat threw the bow line towards the victim unsuccessfully, and tried to dog paddle the boat to the victim.  The victim surfaced twice before disappearing.   His body was recovered approximately and hour later.   Autopsy reports indicate the victim died from drowning.

Research and estimates on the maximum boat weight capacity compared to the estimated passenger and equipment weight at the time of the accident revealed the boat was likely over maximum weight capacity by 173 pounds.  Measurements of the boat show the sides and transom were 15 inches tall and the width (beam) was 50 inches.  The weight in the boat at the time of the accident would have left little room for weight shift from either side of the centerline. The additional weight would have reduced the amount of freeboard or distance from the waterline to the top of the sides or gunnels.  Movement by passengers left or right of the boat’s centerline would have also reduced the freeboard dangerously close to the point water entered over the gunnels.  Occupant and officer observation indicate there was at least 6 inches of water in the bottom of the boat.  It is likely that the water entered at the same time when weight in the boat shifted off center due to a passenger standing unexpectedly.  The operator and passengers may not have realized they were over the weight limit because the boat was manufactured prior to capacity plate requirements.  However, the reduced freeboard would have been an obvious indicator the boat was overloaded.   *(Note-Official weight capacity test were not conducted as outlined in the Federal Code of Regulations 33 CFR Part 183.  It is believed research conducted provided enough information to determine the vessel was overloaded at the time of accident.)

The semi-V hull configuration, length and width of the vessel also contributed to the overall stability of the boat in the water.  The basic rule of “Wider is better” applies in this situation.  The more hull touching the water, the more stable a platform.  The hull narrows as it reaches the bow and forms the semi-V configuration.  Persons moving in this area would cause a greater disturbance in the boats stability.  

In addition to the hull configuration, the center of gravity also plays a large part in stability.  Aftermarket seats on pedestals were added at the bow and stern raising the center of gravity 8 to 12 inches.  In addition, the passenger standing in the vessel also raised the center of gravity.  Raising the center of gravity makes the boat susceptible to capsizing.

Finally, the deceased was wearing a serviceable USCG rated “Type 3” personal floatation device (PFD).  However, both witnesses/occupants claim the PFD was not properly buckled.  When the deceased impacted the water, he most likely raised his arms in an attempt to swim or reach for the boat.  The PFD easily slipped off during the struggle to stay afloat.
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