RedactedNarrative: Single vessel sinking due to foul weather, the only occupant/operator involved swim safety to shore. See detailed narrative for further information.
  
  Operator was very fatigued and exhausted from the accident to provide a written statement on scene. He later sent me a digital statement via email. Operator stated that on the evening of February 21st, 2017, he anchored down in the Gulf halfway from Panther Key to Everglades City to spend the night. The next morning at approximately 0700 hours he saw good weather and resumed his voyage back to Flamingo Bay. 
  
  At approximately 0830 hours he encountered heavy winds and five to six foot waves. The vessel proceeded against the heavy weather and Operator observed the rivets in the vessel’s hull becoming loose. The vessel started taking on water, foundered, and sunk beneath the surface at approximately 0915 hours. According to his statement, the vessel sank one to three miles from shore in the Gulf, west of the Broad River. 
  
  According to Operator’s statement, he managed to swim to shore for approximately 10 hours, and successfully made it to land at approximately 2100. Operator accredited the aid of a Type IV Throwable Flotation Device as a critical element in his survival. He stayed in the mangroves all night and was spotted by a fishing boat at approximately at 1145 the next morning. 
  
  The fishermen who rescued him transported Operator to the Everglades City National Park Ranger Office where I spoke with him. 
  
  I offered Operator medical attention but he refused. At the scene, Operator stated the value of his vessel and motor at $5,000. I explained that he was required to locate and arrange for his vessel to be removed from state waters in timely fashion. I concluded my encounter with Operator and departed the scene.
  