RedactedNarrative: On 5/19/2018 at approximately 17:00 I, Officer, received a call about a boating accident on the Nolichucky River in Greene County.  Upon arrival at 17:16, I spoke with the operator.  Operator was operating a 16 ft aluminum vessel TN 5633 EC that day on the Nolichucky River.  The Nolichucky River was at approximately 6000 cfs on 5/19/18.  Operator stated that he had been camping on Steele Island and went fishing.  Operator stated that he fished the upstream section above the island and then went to the downstream point of the island.   
  Operator stated that he anchored the vessel from the bow on the downstream point of the island, where he fished for 15 to 20 minutes.  After 15 to 20 minutes, Operator stated he heard and saw water spilling over the top of the rear transom.  Operator tried to crank the motor but was unsuccessful.  Operator did not have a trolling motor on the vessel.  Operator attempted to paddle the vessel to a shoreline but was again unsuccessful.  As the vessel swamped, it capsized in the river.  
  Operator was wearing a lifejacket and floated down the river on top of the overturned vessel.  Eventually Operator swam to shore and to safety.  Operator was not injured.  Operator stated that he thinks that one of the two plugs was knocked out and caused the vessel to flood.  Operator stated that the plugs he used were put in from the outside of the vessel.  This would allow for the plugs to be knocked out.
  