RedactedNarrative: On September 24th, 2022, at approximately 1630 hours, a single vessel incident occurred in San Carlos Bay near Sanibel, Lee County, Florida. V1 was underway at idle speed when the owner/operator left the helm and approached the bow for an unknown reason. Owner/operator slipped and fell overboard and called for help. The remaining occupants did not know how to operate V1 and could not turn V1 around to pick the up victim. The victim (owner/operator) was located and recovered from the water unresponsive. Victim was transported to Health Park Medical Center where he was declared deceased.
  
  Reference Investigative Case Report # ISR 095472
  
  While V1 was underway at idle speed inside the idle speed zone in front of Sanibel boat ramp, Operator was in actual physical control of V1. Operator left the helm and approached the bow of V1. Operator bent over to retrieve a black rope like object. Operator lost his footing and fell over the starboard side into the water. 
  
  Subject1 and Subject2 realized Operator had fallen overboard and attempted to help Operator. V1 continued to idle and drift away from Operator. Subject2 attempted to throw a line to Operator but could not reach him due to V1 continuing to move further away. Operator told them to turn off V1. Subject2 turned V1’s ignition key in the off position and attempted to turn the vessel towards Operator. V1 continued to drift away due to current and wind conditions. Subject1 and Subject2 began to panic and called 911. Operator eventually went under water and did not resurface. 
  
  V1 continued to drift east/southeast until it came to rest against the seawall. Subject1 and Subject2 remained on the phone with 911 and continued to provide information. Sanibel Police, Lee County Sheriff, Cape Coral Fire Rescue, Lee County EMS, and FWC responded to the scene. Sanibel Police recovered Operator from the water unresponsive. Lee County Sheriff recovered V1 with Subject1, Subject2, and Subject3 still onboard. Cape Coral Fire Rescue took Operator aboard their vessel and transported him to the boat ramp while performing CPR. Operator was transferred to Lee County EMS and was transported to Health Park Medical Center and later pronounced deceased at the hospital. 
  
  Based on the information I have gathered, examination of the vessel as well as the interviews performed and statements obtained, I have determined the following: 
  
  •	On September 24th, 2022, Operator operated V1 (2015 22’ Sportsman open motorboat) upon state waters specifically San Carlos Bay. 
  •	Operator was in actual physical control of V1. 
  •	Operator was not wearing a personal floatation device during operation.
  •	Operator left the helm of V1 while in motion at idle speed with V1’s throttle still in gear. 
  •	Operator approached the bow of V1 and bent over to retrieve a black rope like object. 
  •	Black rope like object was determined to be the trolling motor power cable which was dangling overboard. 
  •	Operator lost his footing due to choppy waters and fell overboard.
  •	V1 continued in motion due to being on, in gear, and environment factors. i.e., tide and wind. 
  •	Subject1 and Subject2 have no vessel operation experience.
  •	Unknown if Operator knew how to swim. 
  •	Operator was unable to be recovered from the water quickly ultimately drowning. Time of Death: 9/24/2022, 1749 hours. Manner of Death: Accident Cause of Death: Drowning
  