I, State Game Warden, was patrolling Lake Grapevine in Denton County on 11/5/11 for water safety and waterfowl violations. I remained in the northern half of the lake for most of the morning. At approximately 11:00am I began to head south back toward the boat ramp. I observed a large amount of debris on the water and I maneuvered my patrol boat toward the debris field. As I got closer, I saw the bow of a flatbottom boat sticking straight out of the water. The rest of the boat was totally submerged. I immediately saw two occupants and one dog in the water. The occupants were trying to cling to the bow of the boat. Both occupants were wearing PFDs. I maneuvered my patrol boat to pick up both occupants and the dog. Once aboard, the occupants stated that they were returning to the boat ramp at a slow pace.  They stated that the boat had been taking on water, but the bilge was activated. Approximately 15 minutes later the stern of the boat began to fill with water and was overtaken by a wave over the stern of the boat. They stated that the boat went down immediately. They stated that they were in the water for roughly 5 minutes before my arrival. I brought both occupants back to their vehicle immediately. No injuries were noted. I returned to the scene to assist in the recovery of gear and to ensure that the submerged boat would not be a hazard to other boaters. I was able to tow the semi-submerged boat to the nearby shore and secure it using the anchor. Later that day I met with the operator to return some recovered gear and to brief him on the direction of the debris field and the status of his vessel.


Flower Mound                  