Vessel one (V1) of a single vessel occurrence, was occupied by a Father and Son, and were recreationally fishing/cruising.  About the time of twilight, 1730-1745 local time, they made decision to conclude the days activity and return to their hailing port. V1 was drifting at the time, and movement within the vessel involved securing fishing gear and equipment. The victim attempted to walk from the forward casting platform back to the cockpit. While making a step down he lost his balance and fell overboard. Victim was not wearing a personal flotation device and struggled to remain alongside the vessel. Victim had his son inflate and hand him a PFD, however, he struggled to don it. As victim attempted to make his way to the stern of the vessel,and access the boarding ladder, he began choking on inhaled water. Victim lost consciousness and his son held onto him while simultaneously screaming for assistance. Some nearby transient boaters responded, and assisted in recovering the victim as well as beginning CPR.  They returned to the White City Landing where victim was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Port St. Joe. Victim pronounced deceased while in care of Sacred Heart Hospital in Port St. Joe, Florida. ; victim had pre-existing medical issues and extremely overweight, did in fact drown as a result of a fall from a boat.
PORT ST. JOE                  