RedactedNarrative: Synopsis:
  On Saturday, May 11, 2019, at approximately 1300 hours, three occupants of a 16 foot fishing vessel were either ejected or fell overboard after a sharp left hand turn as the vessel was underway. One of the occupants died as a result of the incident. None of the occupants were wearing life jackets. The operator of the vessel was found to be operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol and was arrested by the Daggett County Sheriffs Office for Boating Under the Influence and Automobile Homicide.
  
  Initial Call/Response:
  On Saturday May 11, 2019, at approximately 1330 hours, Uintah County Dispatch received a call a vessel at Flaming Gorge near Cedar Springs Marina had overturned and one male had drowned. Daggett County Sheriffs and an Ashley National Forest Ranger first arrived on scene. I was notified at 1725 hours and arrived on scene at approximately 1800 hours. When I arrived on scene the operator and passenger were on shore with Daggett County Sheriffs. The deceased was with emergency medical services. The vessel was also on scene and docked at the boat ramp.
  
  Accident/Investigation:
  Based on statements given to the Daggett County Sheriffs deputies and myself, from Operator and Occupant1, all three occupants were trolling for fish in Jarvie Canyon. They stated they were around 70 feet from shore. OPERATOR took a sharp left turn which caused VICTIM who was sitting on the port side of the vessel to stand up or lean over the port gunwale. It also caused OCCUPANT1 who was sitting on the starboard side to stand up or move around the vessel. By standing up or leaning combined with taking a left turn they claimed it caused the vessel to lean hard into the water. The vessel began to take on water. These two actions happening at the same time caused VICTIM, OPERATOR, and OCCUPANT1 fall overboard. None of them were wearing life jackets.
  
  Both OPERATOR and OCCUPANT1 were able to swim to shore. OCCUPANT1 in an attempt to find VICTIM swam back into the water. He found VICTIM; however, wasn't able to safely bring him back to shore. operator could see OCCUPANT1 was struggling and could not bring VICTIM back to shore. OPERATOR swam back to both of them and successfully brought VICTIM back to shore. Once back on the shore OPERATOR and OCCUPANT1 began CPR on VICTIM. OPERATOR tried to flag down other vessels passing by but was unsuccessful. After several minutes of CPR and trying to flag down other vessels. OPERATOR was able to retrieve their vessel and drive it to Cedar Springs Marina to get help. OCCUPANT1 stayed on shore with VICTIM and continued CPR.
  
  30 minutes after OPERATOR left for help, OCCUPANT1 was able to flag down a vessel. This vessel had an AED aboard and began First Aid measures. They loaded VICTIM on their vessel and headed towards Cedar Springs Marina.
  
  OPERATOR admitted to Daggett County deputies he had been operating the vessel while intoxicated. He agreed to a Blood draw and a preliminary Breath Test (PBT). The PBT indicated OPERATOR was over the legal limit to operate a vessel. Daggett County Deputy performed Field Sobriety Test. He placed OPERATOR under arrest for BUI and took him to Uintah County Jail. Case # D19-074.
  
  Conclusion:
  Based off witness statements and the investigation, OPERATOR was under the influence of alcohol which likely caused him to underestimate speed and the sharpness of the left hand turn. From my training and experience it is unlikely the being operated by OPERATOR would have caused all three occupants to fall overboard from a left hand turn at trolling speeds. The passengers positioning based on witness statements show that VICTIM was seated on the left and OCCUPANT1 was on the right which should have balanced the vessel during the left hand turn.
  
  I am still waiting on the report from the Medical Examiners Office.
  