On 04032012 at approximately 0155 hrs I received a phone call from Department of Natural Resources SOC stating that Lincoln County Sheriffs Office needed to speak to a DNR officer.  I called LCSO and was advised of a possible boating incident.  I made contact with the on-scene deputy (Deputy) and he advised that on the Lincoln County side of Little River a boat had been over-taken by rough water and further stated that the operator and passenger were standing-by with him.  I responded to the incident location (arrival time approximately 0242 hrs) and observed a partially sunken vessel in the water approximately 50-75 yards northwest of the Little River Bridge.  The operator was identified.  Both subjects advised that they launched the vessel at approximately 1830-1900 hrs on 04022012 from the Cherokee Boat Ramp in Lincoln County and proceeded to the Little River Bridge to fish.  Operator advised that his gas engine was not operational and that he was using only the trolling motor.  Operator stated that within minutes after arriving at the bridge a severe storm blew in from the east and the vessel began taking on water.  Operator advised that he attempted to maneuver the vessel to the northwest side of Little River to escape the high winds.  He advised that he attempted to tie-off on the rocks when the winds changed direction and began beating them against the shoreline.  At this time Operator and Occupant both decided to exit the vessel and wait the storm out from the shore.  Occupant stated that he tried to remove as many personal belongings as possible while the vessel was beginning to sink.  After both subjects were safely on the shore Operator called his wife to pick them up.  At this time I asked Operator to meet me at Pair of Jacks Convenience Store in order to get vehicles off of the roadway.  They provided written statements at this time.  
 ***

APPLING                       