RedactedNarrative: On 07/26/2014, I, CPO, was notified by dispatch of a boat accident that occurred near East Dubuque IL. I called Sgt. with the East Dubuque Police Department. He was at the East Dubuque boat ramp with a passenger of the vessel and the capsized vessel, which was tied to the boat ramp dock. SGT informed me that the operator and the four other passengers had left the scene. 
  
  I drove my squad to the East Dubuque boat ramp. Upon arriving the operator and two of his passengers arrived to recover the vessel. The operator was the owner of the vessel. 
  
  I interviewed Operator after reading him his rights. Operator also provided me with a voluntary written statement. I proceeded to interview the three passengers who were present. The following is a brief synopsis of what Operator and his passenger''s statements revealed: 
  At approximately 12:00PM Operator and his 5 passengers headed South on the Mississippi from the Hawthorn Street boat ramp in Dubuque IA. They headed to 9 mile island and after arriving hung out and played bags (bean bag game) for approximately 2-3 hours. Operator and his passengers decided to head back (North) to the boat ramp. Operator was operating at approximately 5-15MPH and under the US Route 20 bridge when water began flowing over the boat''s bow gunnels. The boat began to sink so Operator and his 5 passengers grabbed life jackets and jumped into the river. The boat capsized and several boats came to the aid of Operator and his passengers. The boat was towed to the East Dubuque boat ramp. 
  
  During the interview with Operator, I asked Operator if the front of the boat was plowing (front/Bow lower then the rear/stern) when he was heading north. Operator replied, "yes the front was plowing". Operator vessel was carrying 5 passengers, two anchors, miscellaneous tools, two coolers (one containing nothing but full water bottles and beer),fishing equipment, snacks, a bags game (made of plywood), and misc. safety equipment. Due to the amount of gear being carried on the vessel and the witness statements, I determined Operator boat was overloaded. 
  
  Operator vessel was recovered by Guy''s towing. I photographed and inventoried the Vessel. While inventoring and inspecting the watercraft, I observed 4 seats. I asked Operator to show me where the passengers were sitting at the time of the accident. Operator advised one of the passengers was sitting on the port side gunnel, near the stearn. I released the contents of the vessel to Operator. Operator was issued citations for pollution to waterways and over loaded motor boat. Operator was issued two written warnings for failure to report a boat accident and passenger riding on the gunnels. Operator has a court date of 09/04/2014.