RedactedNarrative: Based on witness statements, on 09/01/2017 at approximately 18:10 p.m., the operator of vessel #1 and seven occupants were drifting near point 12 on cherokee lake in hamblen county. Four of the occupants voluntarily exited the vessel to swim. 
  
  While swimming, the wind speed increased creating waves and the vessel started drifting away. The swimmers were attempting to return to the vessel as the operator was attempting to maneuver the vessel closer to them. 
  
  The operator and occupants still on board the vessel began to throw life jackets to the swimmers. Three returned to and boarded the vessel. One disappeared below the surface and did not resurface. The occupants of the vessel called 911 to report victim missing. First responders arrived on scene and began a search / recovery effort. On 09/02/2017, victim was located with the twra, recovered at 14:33 p.m., and transported to ut forensic center for an autopsy. The autopsy report is pending.