On Tuesday 21, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a single vessel incident with injuries on the Peace River, located in Hardee County. OP1 (operator) and PAX1 (passenger) embarked on a fishing expedition. They launched from the bridge at Lake Branch road and traveled south approximately 1.25 miles. Their canoe flipped over and both subjects fell in the water. OP1 was uninjured, and PAX1 was complaining of chest pains, and he couldn't feel his hands. OP1 swam to PAX1 and pulled him to the West shore line. He was unable to pull him out of the water. Being that PAX1 weighs approximately 300 pounds. OP1 walked north towards the state park and notified a park volunteer of the situation. 911 was notified and units responded.  Hardee Fire Rescue arrived on scene. 
ACCIDENT
Approximately 1 mile south of the Paynes Creek Historic State Park PAX1 was fishing and his lure got hung in a tree. PAX1 pulled so hard that his line broke and caused him to lose his balance. PAX1 weighing approximately 300 pounds shifted to one side and ultimately caused the vessel to capsize and both occupants to be ejected into the water. Both PAX1 and OP1 were not wearing a lifejacket nor was there any safety equipment onboard. 
POST-ACCIDENT
After being ejected from the vessel OP1 swam to shore but PAX1 was unable to swim after the accident. OP1 had to pull PAX1 to the shoreline. Due to the size difference between them he was unable to completely pull him from the water. OP1 walked north along the riverbank and he arrived back at the State Park. He asked a volunteer to call 911. 
CONCLUSION
Based on the evidence and information gathered to date is the result of the following.
-	Due to decreased water levels 
-	Over loaded vessel
-	No safety equipment or lifejackets being used
-           PAX1 was treated for his neck injury with metal plates and screws
-	PAX1 sustained injury to his L4 L5 spine
-	PAX1 was hospitalized for approximately 25 days
-           PAX1 is visiting physical therapy twice a week; PAX1:-	PAX1 was treated for his neck injury with metal plates and screws -	PAX1 sustained injury to his L4 L5 spine -	PAX1 was hospitalized for approximately 25 days
Peace River
BOWLING GREEN                 