At approximately 1900 hrs on 08/05/23, Game Warden received a call from Putnam County Sheriff's Office in reference to a capsized vessel at Fish Tale Marina on Lake Oconee. Once on scene, GW observed the vessel was retrieved from the water, but upside down on the trailer. No injuries were reported at this time. GW spoke with themon the situation. 

Both stated they launched the vessel near Fish Tale Marina. After launching, they traveled under the Hwy 44 bridge out towards the main channel of Lake Oconee, but soon turned around due to Subject1 not liking the wakes. They then headed back under the Hwy 44 bridge, stopping in the middle of Lick Creek to swim/fish. An hour later, They noticed the vessel taking on water. 

Everyone was informed to climb back in the vessel and They headed towards the Marina docks. Once at the docks, Subject1 exited with their children while operator tried to load the vessel on the trailer. When Operator placed the vessel in reverse, the vessel started to capsize just short of the trailer. Several pedestrians close by assisted

 They in hooking the vessel to the trailer, wenching it upside down, and partially onto the trailer. They drug the vessel up the parking lot to a parking space in front of the Marathon gas station. Damage observed were to the boat motor cowling, entire windshield of the vessel (busted/shattered/folded in), railings, canopy, and trolling motor. Bo's Wrecker Company were contacted for assistance, but did not have any available drivers. GW walked over to Fish Tale Marina to see if anyone was available to assist with righting the vessel using a fork lift/pulley. Unfortunately, no one was available at the Marina either. At this time, GW walked into the Marathon gas station, hoping to speak with a manager about They leaving the vessel overnight until a towing company could be contacted. The clerk on duty called the Marathon manager, who advised They would not be able to leave the vessel in the parking lot overnight. An additional clerk gave GW another towing company to try. GW informed They of the situation and provided them with Taylor's Towing Company out of Eatonton. Roughly thirty minutes later, Taylor's Towing Company arrived and were able to remove the vessel from the trailer, place it back in the water, and place it back on They vessel trailer. GW assisted in making sure the vessel was strapped down and no items were able to cause a hazard on the roadway while They traveled home. They advised GW when they made it home safely.

"While on the lake left of the boat ramp I notice the boat was taken on water. I told everyone to get back on the boat. Everyone got on the boat and we made our way to the boat ramp and everyone got off and everybody was safe. The boat turned over and started to sink. I hook wrench to it and pulled it out of the water upside down. DNR was called and report was made."

, "We put the boat in and went to the left of the Marina to swim/fish. Approx an hour later, we noticed the boat was taking on water. We quickly made our way back to the Marina. We got close to the trailer but the boat was filling up too fast w/ water. Within about 5 min the boat capsized and 1/2 way sunk. We had a few people help us get it out of the water upside down onto the trailerto then drag it out of the water."

Lake Oconee
EATONTON                      