RedactedNarrative: Vessel – 12’ Aluminum Rowboat w/15 hp Outboard Engine
   
  On 07/25/2016, at about 12:09 p.m., this vessel, operated by Operator, was cruising on Curlew Lake located near Republic, WA in Ferry County.
   
  On this date and time, witnesses reported seeing a small aluminum boat making tight circles.  A witness on shore reported seeing a left hand and arm holding on to the transom and a head out of the water.  The boat stopped moving after about 45 seconds.  The person overboard (Operator) did not move or attempt to get back in the boat.  The witness summoned her husband for help.
   
  Another boat was fishing and saw the odd maneuvers and made their way toward the erratic boat.  Upon their arrival they did not see anyone in the boat and it was no longer running.  As they came along side, they saw feet sticking up out of the water and a male under water near the motor.  They jumped in and found him tangled in the propeller by his shirt.  They struggle to raise the motor and free the male.  They used a knife to quickly cut him free and attempt to get him up to the surface.  They could not get him into their boat so they towed him quickly to shore.  
   
  According to Law Enforcement, it appears that Operator had slipped out of the vessel and over the transom while underway.  He held on with his left arm for a short period of time.  His shirt became entangled with the propeller, pulling him under the water.  His shirt was lodged in the propeller holding him under the water.  He was cut free by Good Samaritans who performed CPR and called 911 to get an ambulance.  The Operator was transported to the ER at Ferry County Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
   
  0 Injuries / 1 Fatality
  No apparent alcohol involvement
  No vessel damage reported
  The Operator/Victim was not wearing a PFD
  The Operator/Victim did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card (Exempt by Age)
  