On June 4, 2012, I, Investigator of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to a boating accident with a fatality which occurred the day before in Bradenton, FL.   

On June 3, 2012 approximately 1410 hours, the motor vessel Deep Cover was docking at Twin Dolphin Marina.  The deceased was on the bow of the vessel attempting to grab the bow line using a boat hook when he fell in the water.

victim was in distress, advised that he could not swim and was having difficulties keeping his head above water.  an occupant on the vessel threw a flotation device to victim .  a person on the dock assisting with the docking the vessel when victim fell in the water.  He jumped into the water to rescue victim and was able to get a life preserver on victim .

The person who had been on the dock was unable to lift victim on to the dock due to the size of victim and the height of the dock above the waterline.  Several other bystanders arrived and were able to pull victim onto the dock.  victim had been struggling in the water for approximately two minutes and was responsive and coughing up water while on the dock.  victim then became unresponsive and stopped breathing.  the person on the dock started CPR and continued until Bradenton Fire Department EMS arrived and assumed command.  victim was then transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital.  victim was pronounced deceased at 1500 hours.

On June 18, 2012, I received the report of autopsy from the District Twelve Medical Examiner.  The cause of death: Arteriosclerotic and Hypertensive Disease with a contributory cause of drowning.  The manner of death:  accident (decedent collapsed and fell into river).

Based on the evidence and information gathered to date, victim lost his balance and fell from the bow of the vessel.  He was rescued from the water after he fell; however, the event caused the drowning and may have contributed to the myocardial infarctions as listed in the autopsy report.  No further action will be taken at this time.
BRADENTON                     