RedactedNarrative: CASE SUMMARY
       FATAL BOATING ACCIDENT
                FWNE16OFF2619
  
      SYNOPSIS
  
  On March 10, 2016, at approximately 1700 hrs, a single vessel accident occurred on Lake Eustis, in Lake County, Florida.  A 16' Melges Sailboat with one person on board departed from the Lake Eustis Sailing Club boat ramp and participated in sailboat races throughout the afternoon.  For an unknown reason, the vessel made an abrupt maneuver, overturned, and stayed floating on its starboard (right) side.  The operator was ejected into the water while wearing a personal floatation device (PFD). The operator was transported to the Florida Waterman Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1715 hrs by Dr..
  
  Vessel Description
  Vessel 1 (V-1) is unregistered with the hull identification number (HIN) RUVAB0020383.  V-1 is a 2001, 16' Melges sailing vessel.  The vessel has a white fiberglass hull with an 11' 4" mast, and white main sail.  V-1 is powered by sail only.
  
  OPERATOR-INJURIES/FATALITIES
  V-1 Operator was fatally injured during the accident.  He was ejected from the vessel and suffered from drowning. The drowning was combined with pre-existing heart conditions that ultimately led to his death.  The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy of the victim and the preliminary findings are as follows:
  Cause of death:
  • Drowning
  Contributory Factors:
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
  
  Upon arrival to the capsized sailboat, the operator was unresponsive with his head under the water face down.
   
  