On July 27th, 2013 at approx. 3:15pm, the victim noted in this report was a passenger with three others in an 18ft. Bay Quest. The four were fishing near the Port O'Connor jetties in Matagorda Bay when they decided to move to another location closer to Bird Island. As they came to a stop at the new location the vessel took a wave of water over the stern causing the boat to become unstable. At this time they knew they were in trouble and started grabbing life jackets. The operator tried to get back on top but another wave came over the boat swamping it and causing it to capsize. All the occupants including the victim had life jackets but were not being worn as they all went into the bay waters. The four floated and drifted apart for approx. fifteen minutes before getting the attention of other boaters (the two witnesses) who picked everyone up. The other three individuals were ok but the victim in this case was found face down in the water unresponsive and not breathing wearing only wading shoes and his underwear. The victim who is reported as being a very large subject was transported by boat to the fishing center in Port O'Connor where he was later pronounced dead by Judge with Calhoun County. The victim was then transported to Victoria Mortuary in Victoria Texas. Preliminary autopsy results ruled the cause of death to be drowning. 
The bay conditions during the time of the accident was reported to be choppy due to wind and wakes from boat traffic. The Coast Guard placard on the capsized vessel indicated it was rated for 7 passengers or up to 1050 pounds, or 1650 pounds, persons and gear combined. It also rated the vessel for up to 150hp engine.
Port O'Connor