The operator and passenger on the vessel arrived at Braunig Lake at approximately 1:00 p.m.  They were unable to launch the vessel off the trailer because the vessel would not start. They called a mechanic that went to Braunig lake to assist them.  The mechanic was able to start the vessel.  The mechanic advised the operator and passenger of the vessel the windy weather conditions were too dangerous to launch the vessel.  Occupant and Operator decided to launch the vessel despite the warning.  Operator had 0 operating hours with the vessel because Occupant had just purchased the vessel on September 1, 2011.  This was the first time either passenger or operator had the vessel in the water. 

Operator drove the vessel toward the dam. At an area near the dam, Operator threw out the anchor and tied it the rear of the vessel.  Operator and Occupant began fishing when they noticed the strong winds were causing waves to come over the transom of the vessel.  Operator moved to the stern of the vessel to reposition the anchor.  When Operator was at the stern a strong wind blew and at the same time a heavy wave came over the transom.  Enough water from the wave came into the vessel that it caused the vessel to capsize.  As the vessel capsized Operator rolled into the lake and Occupant was pushed into the water from the capsizing boat. 

The operator and passenger held onto the capsized boat while they were in the water. The passenger made an attempt to go underneath the vessel and locate the sound producing device but was unable to locate it. The passenger then climbed on top of vessel to be with her dog while the operator was in the water.  The passenger then decided to swim to the dam.  After the passenger swam to the dam the operated decided to swim to the dam.  Both operator and passenger survived the accident.

San Antonio                   