On 3/18/2013, at about 7:29 p.m., a 2001, 13' 8" plastic 2-person kayak overturned on Puget Sound at Pitt Passage, between McNeil Island and the Longbranch Peninsula, in Pierce county.   

According to the passenger, he and the operator/victim, were out in the water when one of them reached for a lighter, causing the kayak to go off-set and capsize. Passenger swam to shore after he realized the current was taking them away from shore, but operator refused to leave the capsized kayak.  Passenger thinks he was in the water for about an hour.  operator was later recovered wearing a PFD and had drowned. 

There were no injuries. 
One fatality.
Alcohol involvement was indicated. victim was operating the kayak.  A test for alcohol was done at autopsy - results are pending.  passenger was not tested for alcohol.
There was no vessel damage reported. 
The operator/victim was wearing a PFD. 
The passenger was not wearing a PFD. 
The operator/victim did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card. 
It is unknown if the passenger had a mandatory Boater Education Card. 
There were no Rules of the Road operating violations.
Lakebay