Vessel 1 was launched with three persons on board.  It was reported that the plug had been pulled on Vessel 1 prior to launching and the Owner had replaced the plug after Vessel 1 had drained.  At the time of launch there were three persons on board (combined weight of approximately 705-715 pounds) along with 7-8 dozen duck decoys, two dozen goose decoys, three shotguns, 6 gallons of gasoline, three hunting bags, food, and a blind for the vessel.  Vessel 1 headed north after launch and the Operator reported that there was no water entering Vessel 1 at that time.  Upon arriving at the area where they wanted to hunt they turned Vessel 1 west to approach the shore; at this time they saw the lights on shore from other hunters in the area and turned south, at this point stopping to determine where they wanted to go.  At this time, one of the Occupants (sitting in the bottom of the vessel) stated that he felt water in Vessel 1.  A second Occupant then observed water coming over the bow of Vessel 1.  Within ten seconds Vessel 1 went vertical and submerged, putting all three Occupants into the water.  The Operator was able to grab two goose decoys and a paddle; one Occupant was able to grab a bag of duck decoys; and the third Occupant held onto a type 2 PFD.  The three could reportedly hear each other in the darkness but could not see each other.  They began to yell to each other and for help.  Approximately 10-15 minutes later one of the Occupants reported hearing a  strange "gurgling noise" and thereafter heard nothing else from the Victim.  Approximately 50 minutes later a fire department vessel arrived on scene and rescued the two surviving Occupants; the Victim's body was found later that day along the eastern shoreline of the lake.  
 
Investigation revealed that the boat plug was in place and working effectively to keep water from the interior of Vessel 1.  There was no capacity plate located on Vessel 1.  The bow and stern seats had been modified and the flotation under them had been removed.  The red and green bow light and white all-around light were found still in their storage mounts behind the stern seat.,

Cortland                      