V-1 with two occupants on board was underway with a 15 h.p. outboard heading west in a narrow canal on the south side of 30th street in Vero Beach.  This was the first time in a boat for both the operator and passenger.  They were testing the motor, which they had just acquired, and mounted on V-1.  After driving east a short distance on the canal, the operator slowed, and turned V-1 to head back to the west.  Just after the 180 degree turn, while V-1 was still accelerating , V-1 struck a submerged log.  The impact caused V-1 to capsize to starboard, sending both occupants into the water.  Neither occupant could swim. Neither occupant was wearing a PFD.  No safety equipment was recovered during the investigation.  The passenger was able to grab the floating gas tank, and stayed above the surface of the water for a short amount of time.  The operator was able to reach the north bank of the canal, and exit the water.  The passenger lost his grip on the gas tank, slipped below the surface of the water, and drowned.; The operator tried to remove the shoes of the victim to help him swim, but only managed to remove the victim's right shoe.  The victim tried to remain afloat by holding onto the gas can, but lost his grip, and slipped below the surface of the water and drowned.  The preliminary autopsy findings showed the cause of death consistent with drowning.  No other injuries were noted during the autopsy.
VERO BEACH                    