Both of the Victims were observed by Coast Guard Station Ashtabula personnel at approximately 8:00 a.m. on April 3, 2010 purchasing beer at a local Gas Mart (following the discovery of the Victims a receipt was found on one of the bodies indicating three "beers" - probably 12 packs - purchased for $31.00).  The Victims then apparently found a sailboat hull on the beach and used it without the permission of the owner.  Empty beer bottles and drag marks in the sand were found near where the hull was taken.  Vessel 1 was not outfitted with sails, a rudder, a tiller, or any safety equipment.  The Victims may have launched Vessel 1 while the weather was still warm and the water was still very calm; the Victims were wearing only T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes.  Winds began picking up strength at approximately 1400 hours from the south-southwest direction, pushing Vessel 1 out and around Ashtabula Harbor.  Later that night winds continued to rise and waves reached six feet in height offshore.  Temperaratures dropped down into the 50-degree range overnight and wind and waves continued; winds then shifted to the northwest pushing Vessel 1 to the east and to shore just west of Conneaut Harbor.  Vessel 1 was discovered at approximately 8:30 a.m. on April 4 by someone walking the beach.  The Victims were found braced against the inside of the hull in a back to back position.  Alcohol is suspected in the incident and a toxicology report is being awaited from the Cuyahoga County Coroner.
Conneaut                      