Vessel became stranded due to engine failure caused by striking submerged object. Operator called 911 and NRO and COE responded in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Patrol vessel. Ranger exited the patrol vessel to deliver a tow line to the stranded vessel. Due to the windy conditions and shallow water Ranger stayed with the vessel being towed as NRO began the tow enroute to the Cottonwood Point Boat Ramp. The waves and wind were extremely high as the boats made their way toward the ramp. Three consecutive waves came over the bow of the vessel being towed and swamped the vessel which made it roll over in the water. NRO immediately went to the aid of the victims in the water and rescued victim \ when the tow line became tangled in the patrol vessels prop. NRO cut the line out and returned to the overturned vessel to retrieve Ranger and Operator. Operator couldn’t swim and Ranger stayed by him until NRO could maneuver the boat close enough to retrieve them. Ranger and Operator got into the patrol boat as another rope in the water became tangled in the prop. Additional COE Rangers had responded to the scene and lashed a line to NROs boat until he could free the line and take the operator into Cottonwood Point where they were delivered to EMS. Operator’s vessel was recovered 05-31-2011 when high winds subsided. All occupants of the vessels were wearing properly fitted approved PFD''s which was a major reason there were no injuries or death as well as the actions of Ranger keeping Operator with the overturned boat and holding on until NRO could position the patrol boat to affect the rescue.
Marion                        