On the above date OPERATOR/OWNER and two passengers left the Ft. Island Trail boat ramp in a 1998 17ft Aqua Sport to troll for grouper. While trolling Operator stated that the weather was getting rough and to reel up the lines. He placed the vessel in neutral while the two passengers moved to the aft of the vessel. 

While they were retrieving the lines they began taking water over the port aft of the vessel causing it to capsize. The passengers entered the water at this point and were able to get onto the capsized vessel. The operator was caught under the vessel at the console. Citrus County Sheriffs Office and FWC responded to the scene and found Operator deceased. Citrus County Dive Team responded to the scene and was able to free Operator from the console and fishing lure that was entangled in his shorts. 

Operator's remains were transported to the Buffer Preserve. The Medical Examiner Investigator was contacted and arrived a short time later and photographed and transported Operator's remains to the medical examiner's office. The vessel was towed back to the Ft. Island Trail boat ramp and was transported to the FWC Crystal River Field Office and placed into evidence. 

Once Operator's remains were recovered and transported to shore he was found to have lacerations to his calves which would be consistent with getting caught on the hooks of the lure and ripping along his legs. 

One occupant sustained minor lacerations from being hooked by a fishing lure when the vessel capsized. Her injuries did not require any EMS treatment or admittance to higher level care.

GULF OF MEXICO
CRYSTAL RIVER                 