On June 6, 2013, at approximately 6:00 pm, Vessel 1 with two people on board was swamped by the large waves produced by the approaching storm. Operator1, owner and operator of Vessel 1, stated he and Occupant had launched at Thompson's Fish Camp earlier in the day and went to the "spillway" to go fishing near McCollum Park. Around 6:00 pm, Operator1 stated that he saw the approaching storm and decided to head toward the boat ramp in order to make it back before the storm. The wind increased to nearly 25 mph causing large waves. Operator1 began idling very slowly south and turned the bow of the vessel into the waves. When he did this, the bow of the vessel raised up causing the stern of the vessel to begin to take on water. Operator1 immediately turned of the engine so as not to swamp the motor. He called his son, and told him to call 911 because their boat was taking on more water. Operator1 stated he started the engine again and tried to continue forward slowly but too much water was already in the vessel and the vessel then capsized to the port side. Operator1 described that the wind and waves were pushing him under the vessel and Occupant pulled him out from under the vessel. Both men were wearing life preservers before the accident occurred. Both men then got on top of the capsized vessel. US Coast Guard launched Air Station Houston 6520 and a successful air lift rescue was performed at approximately 8:00 pm. Both men refused medical treatment and the Chambers County Sheriff Department transported the men back to Thompson's Fish Camp.
POINT BARROW