On 3/25/2023 at approximately 1410 hours, vessel 1 was occupied by two individuals engaged in a fishing tournament.  Vessel 1 was at the north pool of Hoover reservoir and fishing/anchored in the northeastern area of the nature preserve.  

The wind was moderate, creating hazardous conditions for boaters on the waterway.  There was a strong current with moderate waves created by the wind out of the southwest and in the northeast direction.  Occupant 2 stated they were halfway through the fishing tournament and were not catching any fish so they decided to move locations.  

The operator pulled the anchor and began traveling in a southwestern direction at approximately 8 mph.  The vessel was traveling directly head on into the large waves against the current.  Occupant 2 stated one large wave crested over the bow of the vessel completely filling the vessel with water and forcing the bow under water.  

The bow of the vessel never recovered to rise above the water line.  Occupant 2 stated that within seconds two more waves flooded the rest of the vessel and it began to capsize.  The operator jumped out of the vessel on the starboard side.  Occupant 2 jumped out of the vessel on the port side.  the vessel capsized.  Occupant 2 stated he began to swim east straight to shore approximately 50 yards away.  The operator was directly behind him.  Occupant 2 made it to shore and looked behind to see where the operator was but lost visual of the operator.

The operator was recovered on 3/26/2023 at 1753 hours under water.  Genoa Township EMS  pronounced the operator at 1838 hours.  Occupant 2 was transported by Delaware County EMS to St. Ann's hospital for symptoms of hypothermia and shock.  The vessel and contents were recovered and removed from the waterway.

Hoover Res.
Westerville                   