RedactedNarrative: On 3-12-16 at approx 6:45 pm, Operator was operating a 15 ft Weldbuilt vessel with a 25 hp tiller handle motor in the flood waters of Black Lake. Operator had two passengers. Operator and Occupant1 were seated in the seats in the back near the motor and Occupant2 was sitting on the front deck facing the rear. The purpose of this trip was to remove items from Occupant2s home that was flooding from the rising water. After loading the vessel with items, the trio were traveling north following Hwy 1226 when the bow rope (approx. 35 ft in length), which was in the water became entangled in the prop. This caused the motor to die. Because of the downward motion of the bow and the weight in the front of the vessel it began taking on water. 
   
  With the continued forward motion of the vessel it completely filled with water and the bow went down. Occupant2 went down with the bow of the vessel and never resurfaced. All attempts by Operator and Occupant1 to save Occupant2 failed. 
   
  Agents were notified of accident and were able to remove Operator and Occupant1 from the water and return them safely to the bank. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Office dive team recovered Occupant2s body and he was turned over to the Natchitoches Parish Coronors Office. On 3-13-16, agents were able to recover the vessel (La-6273-FV) and observed the bow rope still wrapped around the prop. 
   
  The vessel was returned to Operator. Agents observed three type III pfd's attached to the side of the vessel. Investigation revealed that none of the occupants in the vessel were wearing a PFD at the time of accident. Alcohol or drugs was determined not to be a factor in this accident. Photographs were taken of the vessel. Other factors that may have led to the flooding of vessel is overloading and improperly loading. The cause of death was determined to be drowning. Operator was issued a citation for failing to comply w/ pfd requirements for class a hand tiller outboard.
   