Received call from HCSO on April 21, 2013 at approximately 7:53 stating that there was a possible drowning on Lake Palestine near Point Royal.  I arrived on scene at approximately 8:30pm.  I interviewed a passenger on the vessel.  Passenger1 stated that herself and operator were fishing when Operator reached over the side of the vessel to retrieve a stringer of fish and the vessel starting to take on water.  The vessel continued to fill with water until it was completely under water with the tip of the bow exposed.  witness who witnessed this happen launched his vessel to try and rescue the occupants of the sinking vessel.  Witness stated by the time he arrived to the scene he only saw Passenger1 above the water.  According to Witness, Passenger1 was wearing a life jacket and was also holding on to a second jacket.  HCSO arrived on scene with a vessel equipped with side scan sonar which was able to detect a body under the water.  Game Wardens deployed a drag and were able to retrieve the body of Operator at approximately 11:53 pm.  Noonday Fire and Rescue were able to retrieve the vessel and Holt wrecker transported the vessel to their lot for safekeeping.
Chandler