RedactedNarrative: On 05/09/2021, at approximately 1807, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to reports of a small, overturned vessel in the Mosquito Lagoon, near Marker 30/32, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Brevard County. After conducting a diligent search USFWL Officers were able to locate the vessel and make contact with the last registered owner who advised they had sold the boat. Officers assisted BCSO STAR locate the vessel and conduct a search by air for any occupants, while I canvassed Merritt Island Refuge boat ramp parking lots. I was able to locate the vessel operator in the parking lot and obtained pertinent information with regards to what led to the boat capsizing.
  Subjects were heading back South to Haulover canal traveling between 5 MPH and 10 MPH (plowing) and traveling into the wind and waves when the engine became swamped, and the boat began to take waves. He stated then they tried to use the trolling motor, he advised that the boat continued to take waves, and while the boat was still neutrally buoyant, they were standing on the front of the boat when a wave came and caused the boat to overturn. They were boat wearing life vests at this time and a good Samaritan assisted them with getting back to Bairs Cove Boat Ramp leaving the vessel free floating near Channel Marker 30/32.