RedactedNarrative: On 5/22/2018 at approximately 1500 hours, I was dispatched to a call regarding a vessel that sank at the S-131 Lock in Lakeport, Glades County.
  Upon arriving on scene, I observed a vessel completely submerged in the lock, with an oil spill boom deployed around the vessel. South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) personnel were already on scene. All persons that observed the vessel sink provided sworn written statements. All are consistent and indicate the following:
  
  1. The operator entered the lock from Lake Okeechobee (lakeside), intending to lock through to the rim canal (landside) to his residence after a day of fishing.
  
  2. The vessel entered the lock with a storm approaching.
  
  3. There was a malfunction with the lakeside gate, and SFWMD personnel attempted to fix the problem.
  
  4. SFWMD personnel determined that the water level difference between lakeside and landside was low enough to open the landside gate.
  
  5. The landside gate was opened, despite the lakeside gate not being closed due to the malfunction.
  
  6. A large amount of water flowed into the lock from the lakeside, causing the vessel to strike the landside gate.
  
  7. Water came over the stern of the vessel and swamped the boat. The operator was washed out of the vessel toward the stern, while wearing an automatic PFD, which did not inflate.
  
  8. The operator went under the vessel and struck the landside gate while submerged.
  
  9. The operator was pulled under the landside gate and the vessel sank.
  
  10. SFWMD personnel assisted The operator in reaching the shoreline.
  
  Lake Towing was called and successfully recovered the vessel, which was returned to The operator.