Agents were notified of a missing person through communications. when agents arrived at Belle River Public boat launch they encountered two friends of the missing subject, whom was identified as Operator. The subjects stated that they had located Operator's vessel  in the 30 " pipeline unmanned. The two men stated that when they located the vessel they observed one of the missing subjects rods laying on the deck of the vessel with a lure in the water and approximately 20' of line on it out. Subjects also stated that the trolling motor was in the down (operation position), and the ignition key was in the off position. The two men stated that they had found the subject's vessel  approximately 20' from the shore, then pushed the subject's vessel to the shore and secured it. Agents went to the location of the vessel. Agents along with St. Martin sheriff Office began searching the area for the subject. Agents inspected the vessel and found one type 3 pfd lying on the seat, and observed several fishing lures on the deck of the vessel (LA2553FT). Agents also noted that the trolling motor was in the down position.  

Agents , with search equipment located the subject's  body approximately 20' behind the vessel, submerged in approximately 7' water. Agents then properly transported the subject back to the Belle River public landing. sheriff office's  vessel towed vessel back to the landing. Agents photographed Operator's vessel, then released the vessel to his brother. Agents turned the body of Operator over to the coroner's office. As agents spoke with family members they stated that Operator has a history of having sudden seizures. The family members, and friends also stated that operator had bronchitis the prior week.  Agents inspected the vessel throughly when it was removed from the water and did not observe any type of damage to the vessel. Agents received two written statements from the subjects who located the vessel. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. There were two type 3 pfds on the vessel and one type 4.  Pfds were not worn. The vessel was equipped with hydraulic steering.  At this point in the investigation agents believed that the subject fell overboard.  The coroner's  office is performing an autopsy to determine cause of death.

Belle River                   