RedactedNarrative: On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at approximately 1445 hours, a 19-foot center console vessel (herein after referred to as V-1), launched from Homestead Bayfront Park Boat Ramp. Owner operated V-1 and the only passenger was his friend. Owner operated out the channel and across Biscayne Bay until they arrived in the area to the west of Elliot Key, South of Sands Cut. Owner realized that he had forgotten to install the drain plug on the vessel prior to launching. Owner told friend he forgot to install the plug, retrieved a drain plug from a duffle bag and lunged into the water in the effort to install the plug. Owner was immediately separated from V-1 by tidal and wind conditions. Owner struggled to swim back to V-1, subsequently drowning.  
  
  Reference ISR062487 for complete investigation report. 
  
  occupant was able to retrieve keys thrown to him by the operator and get the boat closer, at that time the operator was unresponsive, occupant got in the water and put a PFD around operator, attempting to save him, a Good Samaritain vessel came by to assist.  Operator was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
  