On Wednesday May 1, 2013 a call was made to the Lake Co. Rescue Squad regarding two fishermen that were lost stranded etc. since they had not returned home. On Thursday, May 2, at approximately 8 am the Lake Co. Rescue Squad contacted TWRA  Asst. Supervisor who alerted Officer who arrived on site approximately 300 yds north of the Keystone Boat Ramp at approximately 8:30 am. Officer and rescue members in rescue boats were able to recover the sunken vessel in water approximately 6 ft deep. The vessel was completely submerged upside down with the boat hull bottom being visible. Victim1’s (the older victim) body was trapped underneath the boat when found. The owner of the vessel’s body was found a few yards northwest of the sunken vessel. The vessel was a 15 ft. Alumacraft boat powered by a 50 hp Mercury motor with power trim. No gas tank was recovered. The boat had been altered with additional boat flooring made of 3/4 inch marine plywood and diamond plate aluminum metal work  including an added large livewell made of aluminum. The boat contained 2 anchors, one approximately 30 lb. and one approximately 20 lb. with anchor rope, two 12 volt batteries,  two windsocks, fishing poles, scattered tackle, rod holders, a Motor Guide trolling motor, two wearable life vest and a fire extinguisher. Overloading was determined to be a cause.
TIPTONVILLE