At approx. 1515 hours on Jan16, 2013 I officer of The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission heard a call on VHF16 that a vessel had capsized at the entry to the Ft Pierce Inlet. Upon arriving I saw 2 Coast Guard boats and a Sea Tow vessel on scene.  

The vessel capsized with the owner onboard.  Operator had the vessel anchored just outside the Ft Pierce Inlet and was diving. When he surfaced he noticed that the tide had changed and was rolling out against the wind. This condition of swift current against a moderate wind caused the sea state to change dramatically.  Operator was able to get in his boat but was unable to pull the anchor in.  While struggling with the anchor line a large wave washed over the side and capsized the vessel.  After a few minutes clinging to his boat a passing boat saw him and hailed  Coast Guard via VHF 16.  

Operator and what articles could be recovered were transferred from the Coast Guard vessel to my FWC boat.  I returned Operator to shore.  I asked if he required medical attention and he replied no.  Sea Tow was not able to right the boat offshore due to the rough conditions and had to pull the submerged vessel into calmer waters near Dynamite Point  inside the inlet.  Once they were able to upright the boat they were able to pump the water out of it and tow it back to Stan Blum Boat Ramp. The engine was submerged for several hours, the center console separated from the hull as well as the gas tank leading me to believe that at least $2000.00 in damages had occurred.
FORT PIERCE