On Saturday, June 18, 2011 at approximately 12:30 pm, Operator was operating a 1992 Vision 20 foot bass boat on Douglas lake.  A strong thunderstorm was passing through the area creating hazardous waters with about 5 foot swells.  Operator began heading for the lake shore at the point 2 marker.  The vessel began to take waves over the gunnels and Operator turned the boat head-on into the waves in an attempt keep the boat from swamping.  The waves continued over the bow of the vessel and the boat quickly filled with water.  This caused the bow to ride up higher in the water and Operator tried to change the trim position to get the bow back down.  Operator left the operators position and attempted to use the trolling motor to try and reach the shore.  When it became apparent that the vessel was going to sink, he told his passenger to swim for the shore.  When the passenger refused to leave, Operator abandoned the vessel and swam to the shore with his passenger.  Both occupants were wearing personal flotation devices.  The vessel sank and the two occupants were picked up by Jefferson County Sheriff  and taken to a bait store on Highway 139.
Kodak                         