DEM officers reported to a boating incident that occurred in South Kingstown involving a boat that ran aground at full speed with nobody on board at around 7:15pm on July 17, 2012. Upon their arrival at the scene officers examined the boat and found it was negative for any evidence that the vessel had struck something, nor was there any evidence to indicate that the missing operator had been struck by the vessel. There was no evidence of foul play.  According to witnesses who observed the vessel come ashore, the vessel had been traveling parallel to shore around 300 yards out when it suddenly took a sharp turn and came straight towards the beach.  After the boat grounded itself, witnesses checked to see if anyone was onboard. Failing to find anyone, they called 911.  Control contacted operator's ex-wife and learned that operator had gone fishing for the day.  She advised that he has a slip at the Westerly Yacht Club.  Off. remained on scene to monitor the search and rescue as it continued through the overnight hours. At approximately 3:50am USCG advised that they located operator alive at N41 19.6' W 071.31.8'.  He was suffering from hypothermia and exhaustion but was conscious and alert. He was transported to the USCG Pt. Judith boathouse where he was going to be transferred to the waiting Narragansett Fire/Rescue crew.  Operator was then transported to So. County Hospital where the attending physician advised that Operator was hypothermic and exhausted.  Operator reported to Off. what had happened. He stated that he came around the “north rip” near the end of Block Is. At some point along the way Operator leaned out on the right side of the boat to catch a breeze. As he was leaning out over the right side of the vessel he grabbed hold of a handrail mounted outside the wheelhouse for stability. A wave then struck the left side of the boat which caused him to lose his balance and fall overboard.  Operator was NOT wearing a lifejacket.  When he surfaced he was facing Block Is. and knew instantly that he was in trouble.  He began swimming towards Green Hill Beach but the tide was too strong and was moving him west of Block Is. He alternated between swimming and treading water doing the best to keep moving.  He stated that he knew the patrol vessels and USCG helicopter were looking for him working grid patterns and felt confident the he was going to be found at some point. After interviewing OPerator, DEM officers left the hospital.  Off. came on duty and was directed to maintain post on vessel util the salvage company arrived to take custody of the boat.
South Kingstown               