Operator was reported missing by Father.  Father stated that operator had called him at about 2000 hours and stated that he was on his way home.  Father stated that Operator had been at marina working on the boat, he requested the marina was checked for the boat and OPerators vehicle.  Officers repsponded to marina.  vehicle was there but the boat was not in its slip.  Contact with one of the neighbor slips infomration was given that operator was seen leaiving the marina on his boat and had turned south in Pickering Passage.

Offiser repsot Fairharbor Marina and launched the Sheriff's boat moored there.  we responded to the Pickering Passage to begin a search.  On radar we spotted a boat hust off the mouth of the cove and mid channel.  We made contact with the boat which matched the description given.  The motor was running with it in neutral.  Officers boarded the boat and searched there was no sign of operator.  A quick search of immediate area was conducted without locating him.

Officers took the boat under tow and returned it to Jarrels Cove where it was secured.  The US Coast Guard was contacted and advised of the incident.  a coast guard unit was launched to assist with the search.  

At about 0900 hours a body was spotted of the Northern top of Hartsline Island.  The body was confimred to be the opeator.  He was recovered and transported to shore where he was truned over to coroner.  

An autoposy was conducted.  Initial findings indicated that eh casue of the death was drowning. a contributing factor may have been Carbon Monoxide.
Shelton                       