RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 put in at the Route 305 Ramp.  They were out for approx. an hour when the owner noticed the waves were picking up.  Winds at the time were out of the southwest at 17mph, gusting to 28 mph. They were north of the Route 305 Ramp and turned to go in.  When they did they immediately began taking water over the bow into the boat.  The boat filled with water then capsized, throwing both occupants into the water.  Passenger 2 grabbed a personal floatation device and hugged it.  The Operator held onto the end of the boat.  The wind blew the two apart.  Passenger 2 was concerned with his survival and was not able to remain in contact with nor see the Operator after this. After about a half-hour Witness 1 and 2 in their vessel saw Passenger 2 and rescued him.  Passenger 2 said the Operator was holding onto vessel.  They immediately went over to it.  The Operator was not there.
  
  They called 911. Searching began with Bazetta Fire Department and Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  During the search the conditions worsened, and search boats were called off the water due to the waves.  Searching continued later that day when the conditions improved.  Searching continued October 16-18, 2017.
  
  The body of the Operator was located by searchers on October 18, 2017 at 10:50 am.  It was recovered by Natural Resources Officers, brought to shore, and turned over to the Trumbull County Coroners Office.
  
  Trumbull County Coroner ruled the fatality an accidental drowning.
  