On 1/26/2013 at approximately 1010 hrs, V1 was heading south offshore approximately one mile south of the St. Lucie Inlet State Park and approximately 700 yards from shore.  Owner/operator and the occupant advised that at the time of the accident, they were trolling south, fishing for whatever would bite.  Operator advised they were traveling less than 10 miles per hour.  

It was at this time Operator realized that a large wave was coming at them.  He advised that it was too late to turn into the wave head on, so he tried out running it and started heading west towards shore.  Operator was unable to out run the wave.  The wave caught up to them, started pushing them to where the bow started to turn north, almost a 180 degree turn.  Before the boat turned a full 180 degrees, the bow of V1 nose dived and flipped the stern over the bow to the port side.  Vessel ended up capsized then sank.

Both were ejected from V1.  After being ejected, another vessel came and pulled them into their boat to safety.  Tow Boat U.S. recovered the vessel and towed it to Sandsprit Park boat ramp where Operator was able to reclaim possession of it.

With everything taken into account, I have concluded that hazardous waters, no proper look-out, and operator inattention were the ultimate factors that played a role in the cause of V1 being capsized.

Vessel insurance company totalled the vessel,
STUART