On july 8, 2013 at approximately 6:00pm, four people put in at mountain creek access on blewett falls lake.  Once out of mountain creek, they turned left into the thoroughfare.  Once they exited the thoroughfare into the main channel, the water became very rough with waves between 2 and 4 feet.  Two waves came over the front of the vessel swamping it.  A third wave then came over the front causing the vessel to capsize.  All four occupants were thrown into the water.  None were wearing a pfd.  Three of the occupants were able to grab on to floating debris and make it back to the overturned boat.  Victim was seen holding a bag of life jackets under his head to stay afloat.  Operator stated that the last time he saw victim, he and the life jackets were floating away from each other.  He called out to victim but received no answer.  The three survivors were able to swim the vessel to shore where they yelled for help and even sounded an air horn.  They tried to dial 911 but their cell phones had been destroyed by the water.  At approximately 8:00pm, another vessel found them and dialed 911.  Another fisherman found the body of victim floating in the river about 45 minutes later.
Heavy rains in the area had caused strong currents in the river and also caused strong currents in the river and also caused the waves that swamped the vessel.  The vessel was designed for four people to ride in the rear area of the vessel.  However, only two were riding in the rear and two were in the front.  This extra weight in the front o the vessel significantly contributed to the vessel being swamped by these waves.  Without the extra weight in the front, the vessel should have been able to cut through those waves.  Speed was not a factor in the accident.  Also it is unclear whether or not victim would have survived had he been wearing a pfd.
LILESVILLE