Operator stopped his vessel in lake maurepas so passengers could use the bathroom. As passenger entered the water the boat began to drift away from him due to strong winds. Passenger, not being a good swimmer, began having trouble staying afloat so he asked operator if he could throw him a lifevest. Operator threw the lifevest to passenger, but the lifevest was taken by the wind. Operator entered the water retrieved the lifevest and brought it over to passenger. Passenger returned to the vessel safely with the aid of the lifevest. At this time, operator began having difficulty swimming due to weather conditions. Passenger2 entered the water with a lifevest, swam over to operator, and gave him the lifevest. Passenger2 stated that operator had the lifevest in his possesion but was too weak to hold on to the lifevest and went underwater. Passenger2 made several attempts to locate operator but was unsuccessful. At this time passenger was able to put passenger2 into the vessel where they called 911. Subject was being treated for cancer and may have been under the influence of narcotic pain medicine, autopsy pending.
MANCHAC                       