Operator1 was drifting down river facing upstream fishing when he noticed the rear of the vessel was sitting lower in the water than normal.  He saw the live well was taking on water from an intake pipe that had broken.  He switched on the bilge pump, but it was not able to remove the water faster than it was entering the vessel.  He then started the engine and tried to head back to the shore, but he was unable to get to shore before the vessel capsized.  He was wearing an inflatable PFD and stayed with the overturned vessel.  

The commercial tugboat was coming downriver at about 5:08 pm and struck the overturned vessel.  Operator1 abandoned the overturned vessel before the impact and then the crew attempted to offer him assistance.  

Another vessel operator secured the overturned vessel in his lift until it can be recovered.  The captain of the commercial vessel continued toward Wilson Lock after Operator1 was rescued.  Additional information regarding the commercial vessel will be collected by the U.S.C.G.
Wilson Lake
Ford City                     