RedactedNarrative: On 06/15/19, two subjects were troll fishing just north of Stave Island on Lake Champlain in the Town of South Hero, VT. Operator advised that while fishing the boat suddenly began listing. Operator advised that Victim opened the engine compartment and noted water to be rushing in. Victim quickly attempted to throttle the engine and travel toward shore however the engine stalled due to being flooded. Operator advised they donned their life jackets and jumped into the water.
  
  The weather was clear and sunny with winds blowing approximately 17 MPH. The seas were rough with waves reported to be 2-3' high. Operator advised once they were in the water he lost contact with his brother Victim.
   
  Two witnesses nearby witnessed the boat sinking and went to aid the Operator's. Witness advised when he arrived on scene he observed Victim laying on his back floating in the water appearing deceased. He recalled Victim possibly wearing a blue PFD. He then located Operator wearing a PFD and floating in the water. Witness helped Operator get into his boat to safety while a second witness located Victim's body. 
  
  Witness 2 advised he first located Victim floating in the water calling for help. He said he believed Victim may have had one arm through an open unzipped PFD. He threw a life ring and a seat cushion however Victim was unable to get to them. As witness arrived, witness2 told him to tend to Victim while he directed his attention to Operator who was nearby in the water. They helped Operator out of the water.
  
  Victim had reported noticing a small amount of water leaking into the engine compartment two weeks prior while fishing. He did not know where the leak was coming from or rectify the issue. The vessel was put in the water the previous evening on 06/14/19. The Operator's left the dock at 0500 on 6/15 to go fishing for the day.
  