On 12/19/2013 at approximately 1615 hours, V1 was heading in northeasterly direction in Pensacola Bay. Operator was operating the 14ft jon boat with Occupant seated forward in the bow.  A rogue wave washed over the starboard bow section of the boat causing the occupant, Occupant to get washed over the side. A second wave washed the operator, Operator over the side and swamped the jon boat. The jon boat remained at the surface but was unstable.  Operator retrieved 2 PFDs from the boat and both put them on.  After a few minutes, they decided to leave the boat feeling it was too unstable to hold onto.  Both Operator and Occupant attempted to swim to a channel marker but the tide prevented them from climbing onto to it.  After a few hours of floating in the bay, Operator began to display some irrational behavior and took off his PFD.  Occupant struggled with Operator and was able to put the PFD back on Operator.  Within a few minutes, Operator had taken his PFD off again but Occupant was unable to place it back on him.  Soon afterwards, Operator slipped below the surface and Occupant pulled him up.  Again, Operator slipped below the surface and Occupant pulled him up.  Occupant stated that Operator had foam coming out of his nose and mouth and was unresponsive.  Occupant floated for several more hours before nearing the shore on the south side of Pensacola Bay near Ft Pickens.  

At approximately 0030 12/20/2013, Occupant swam to shore, cleaned himself off and walked eight miles to a convenience store arriving at 0708. 

At 0629 east of Ft, FWC Officers discovered the vessel and soon after the body of Operator.   

The vessel was taken to the Pensacola Field Office Compound for inventory and inspection.  
The vessel had three motors attached to the stern: 1) 15 HP Yamaha, 2) 1.5 HP Yamaha 3) Trolling Motor, three batteries and 2 six (6) gallon portable gas cans. Plus 4 fishing rods, tackle bag and assorted lead weights.

The victim, Operator, weighed 165 pounds per Louisiana Driver's License and the passenger, Occupant, weighed 320 pounds per answer during the interview.  

The capacity plate on the vessel indicates the vessel was rated for:
Up to 25 HP and 3 Passengers for a vessel total of 625lbs.  The vessel had a total estimated weight of over 800lbs and exceeded capacity by over 175lbs. This estimate does not include fishing tackle and fishing rods as well as other personal effects.  ; OPERATOR,:V1 Operator removed his PFD and was seen to slip below the surface of the water twice.  The medical examiners office has ruled the cause of death is drowning.
PENSACOLA