RedactedNarrative: On the morning of May 12th, 2022 at approximately 06:45 hours, I, Corporal with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division was contacted by the Georgia State Patrol Dispatch in Newnan concerning a possible drowning on West Point Lake at the Yellow Jacket Access boat ramp.  I advised GSP Dispatch that I would be enroute.  I proceeded to make contact with Troup County 911 for more details and was advised that a 74 year old male had fallen from his boat at the ramp and had not resurfaced.  I advised Troup Co. 911 that I would be enroute to the boathouse to get the patrol boat.  A short time later, Troup Co. 911 called back and advised the victim had resurfaced approximately 25-30 yards from the dock and requested a boat for recovery.  I advised Troup Co. 911, I was still enroute and had an extended estimated time of arrival of about 45 minutes.  
  
  At approximately 07:35 hours, I arrived at Yellow Jacket Access boat ramp by patrol boat and was met by Troup Co. Sheriff's Office Deputies and Troup Co. Medical personnel.  The victim had been recovered by Troup Co. S.O. and was on the dock.  The victim’s vessel, a red and white Skeeter bass boat had also been recovered and was tied to the dock.  After speaking with the Deputies, I made contact with the victim’s brother.  Brother stated he had backed his brother and the boat into the water and put the truck and trailer in the parking lot when he came back down to the ramp and saw his brother struggling in the water to get to the boat.  
  
  Brother stated Victim was about 4-5 feet from the boat and was splashing around, struggling to stay above water and then went under and did not resurface.  After speaking to Brother, a Troup Co. Deputy and I pulled the boat from the water using Victim’s truck and trailer, for inspection.  I was advised that a large, brimmed hat believed to belong to the victim, had been located at the stern near the engine when the boat was recovered, and the bilge pump had turned on several times since recovery.  During the inspection, I observed the drain plug was hanging out of the drain hole, below the engine.  The vessel’s stern was photographed as well as the registration and hull identification number.  
  
  Based on the information and evidence at the scene, it is believed that Victim was attempting to put the plug in the drain hole at the bottom of the stern while floating away from the dock and ramp and fell overboard, subsequently drowning.  All the required safety equipment was on board the vessel, but Victim was not wearing a life jacket when he entered the water.
  
  Recorded and photographed on body camera.
  
  Nothing further.
  