Vessel – 2021 8’ Lotus 80, Kayak, electric motor

On 04/05/2023, at about 05:02 p.m., this vessel was in Five Mile Lake, closest to the city of Auburn, WA in the King County.

According to Law Enforcement, Operator took a kayak onto Five Mile Lake. Operator did not wear a pfd and was not a capable swimmer. While about 30 yards from shore, Operator capsized the kayak and fell into the water. His companion was on shore and swam out to Operator. Subject1 was not equipped with any flotation device. Subject1 was able to reach Operator, but shortly after both men struggled to stay afloat. Subject1 became unconscious, floating face down. Operator slipped beneath the surface. Bystanders pulled Subject1 from the water and commenced life saving efforts. Subject1 was flown to Harborview in Seattle and at the time of this report was alive and unconscious. Operator was located by divers at 1910, deceased. 

Examination of the kayak found it to be extensively modified with more than 20 post manufacture holes in the hull and outriggers were on either side. The drain plug was open. The hull was about half filled with water. The presence of this water can cause serious instability in the event of the boat turning and could override the action of the outriggers allowing the boat to capsize. Main causal factors identified as contributing to this accident are Operator’s inability to control the kayak, a lack of swimming ability, the absence of a floatation device and the presence of water in the hull.


0 Injury / 1 Fatalities
PFD: Was not worn by operator 
No apparent alcohol use
Vessel Operator Mandatory Boater Education Card: Unknown
Five Mile Lake
Auburn                        