On 11-13-2011 at 7:30am, Operator and occupant took off from the public ramp at Lacon to duck hunt.  They were northbound on the Illinois River when a large wave came over the bow of the 16 foot jon boat that they were in.  The boat was probably too small for the river based the sustained 25 mile per hour winds, with gusts up to 40 mph.  Additional waves swamped the boat causing it to capsize.  Subjects climbed on top of the boat to get out of the cold water and attempt to summon help with their cell phones.   Occupant’s was dead, and operator said the clock on his was working ( 7:47 am), but the phone would not work.  They then attempted to paddle back to the Lacon ramp using their shotguns as paddles.  On the way, they attempted to flag down passing cars crossing over the bridge.  

     At 8:42 am, Deputy of the Marshall County Sheriff''s Department was crossing the Route 17 bridge when he noticed the subjects in distress.  He summoned the Lacon Fire Department boat to the scene.  They recovered subjects and they were transported by ambulance where they were treated for Hypothermia and released.   Lacon Fire Department secured boat at the ramp, as well as other equipment.  The shotguns were taken by Deputy to the Jail for safe keeping.   operator retrieved his boat and vehicle from the ramp at approximately 3:00pm.

Clark was given a Boat Accident Report Form to complete and return to the Department within 5 days.

Lacon  IL                     