On monday may 27, 2013 at approximately 14:00 hrs a small vessel was being operated.  Operator and his family were on board and were traveling in the northern most section of belews lake near the dam.  Operator stated his intentions were to beach the vessel so the family of 6 could recreate on the shoreline.  As he approached approximately 50 yards from the shore, he decided to choose an alternate location to beach his vessel.  He maneuvered the small vessel into reverse with his stern facing the open water.  Because of the overloaded vessel and the small amount of freeboard at the stern, waves quickly came over the transom.  Within less than one minute the vessel had taken on so much water the bow began to rise, and the passengers fell into the water.  Operator stated the vessel was completely under water within two minutes.  The water depth at this location was approximately 13 feet.  Therefore, when the vessel sank, the motor and stern rested on the bottom of the lake.  There were adequate us coast guard approved pfds on board, but none of the survivors were wearing them.  Upon investigation, officers could not find a capacity plate on board the vessel.  Due to the size of the vessel, 40 horse power motor, and gear, it is the opinion of the investigating officer that the vessel was overloaded and inexperience of the operator was a contributing element of the accident.  Alcohol was not a factor and the approximate monetary damage to the vessel and property was estimated at $2000.00
PINE HALL