On the listed date & time, Officers responded to the listed location in ref. to a boating incident. Upon arrival, Officers found that the listed victim and boat driver were gone from the incident scene, enroute to McDuffie Co. Hospital. Officers got written statements from witnesses on scene. Officers found that the listed vessel was in the water, capsized approx. 50 yards from the shoreline. Officers noticed that the water was white capping with 1' to 2' swells and strong winds. Officers spoke to the driver of the vessel at the McDuffie Co. Hospital. The driver stated that he and the victim launched the vessel. The motor failed and would not go forward. 

The driver then attempted to drive the vessel in reverse when then it began to take on water. The vessel was swamped and capsized causing the driver and victim to enter the water. The driver further stated that he attempted to put a PFD on the victim and himself before going overboard. The victim had a history of heart problems and other medical issues. The driver stated that the victim became unresponsive while in the water. Witnesses responded by vessel to assist the driver and victim. The witnesses stated that they took the driver and victim to the shore. The victim was unresponsive. 

Witness began CPR. McDuffie Co. EMS was notified and responded to the scene. The victim was then transported to McDuffie ER where he was pronounced deceased at 1707 hrs. The cause of death is pending report of the medical examiner. The vessel was recovered by Sea Tow and DNR Rangers on scene. The vessel was turned over to the listed vessel operator. Officers found that the plug was intact and found no signs of collision damage to the vessel. Officer's investigation found that the statements of the driver and witnesses were consistent. The cause of damage was due to possible throttle failure, high winds and rough water causing the swamping and capsizing of the vessel. No further action was taken.

McDuffie Co                   