Vessel 1, with one person on board, was adrift for approximately three hours while the Operator was fishing.  When the Operator observed that he was approaching the breakwall, he attempted to restart his engine.  The engine failed to start; the Operator stated that his electronic throttle system had failed three other times reently as well.  The Operator then donned his type three personal flotation device prior to Vessel 1 grounding on the breakwall.  Following the grounding the Operator jumped into the water with his tackle box (which contained his cell phone in a plastic bag) and swam approximately one-half mile to the shore on the south side of the harbor.  He was retrieved from the water by emergency services.  The Operator was taken to Lake East Hospital for treatment of hypothermia.  Investigation continues; the Investigator is still awaiting a report from the hospital tests with regard to alchol involvement and from the salvage company with regard to a final determination on whether the vessel was or was not underway at the time of the grounding.
Fairport Harbor               