The Operator of Vessel 1 launched (alone) in the early morning hours with the intention of paddling to the takeout; at the time of the incident Vessel 1 had 6-inch foam blocks placed on the gunwales from a car-top mount.  During the trip the Operator of Vessel 1 went to shore twice to wait out passing thunderstorms.  Following the two stops, after the Operator launched for the third time, one of the foam blocks fell off the gunwale into the water.  The Operator stood up in Vessel 1 and leaned over to reach the foam block, subsequently tipping Vessel 1 and falling into the water.  The Operator was not wearing a PFD at this time and the force of the wind and waves pushed Vessel 1 away from him.  The Operator remained in the water, unable to catch Vessel 1, while a third line of thunderstorms passed through the area.  Several hours later another boater in the area found Vessel 1 adrift and notified USCG Station Lorain.  Vessel 1 was recovered and a search began for the Operator.  A passerby on shore observed the Operator in the water and alerted a passing PWC to the situation who assisted the Operator (the Victim) who was three-fourths to one mile offshore, clinging to a foam block, and was very tired and dehydrated.  The Victim was transported to shore and then on to the hospital where he was admitted overnight for observation and released the next day.
Sheffield Lake                