Lt., Operator and Dep.,  were searching for a drowning victim of a kayak accident the day before, in 12-18 feet of water parallel with shore approximately 2-3 miles north of harbor.  Operator saw a "dark object" in the water and believed it to possibly be the victim.  With closer inspection it was determined that is was not the victim and then and a large 6-ft wave came in contact with the port side of the vessel and rolled the vessel over on its starboard side.  Operator believed the "T-Top" of the vessel then came in contact with the previous wave which caused a "trip mechianish" for the vessel to capsize.  Both men were immediately and completely submerged in the water.  Operator was underneath passenger, who was trying to get from underneath the canvas.  Operator tried to free passenger out of the canvas and after many attempts underwater, succeeded.  Both men then climbed on top of the boat and called 911 since phone still worked.  The boat going in the direction of a sandbar and both men knew they had to get off the boat before it would hit the sandbar.  They decided to swim to shore, where help arrived and both were transported to the hospital and treated for hypothermia.  Boat was later recovered, and the starter replaced, but otherwise was in good condition.  No damages to boat.
New Buffalo Township          