On 1/28/23, at Cheney Reservoir, Operator and Owner were heading to a duck hunting spot from Boat Ramp. Operator was operating the vessel while Owner and their black lab were riding in the vessel. While in route to a spot, dog ran to the bow of the boat causing it to take on water. Operator stated he tried to put it in reverse but there was too much water already in the vessel. The vessel then capsized, dumping all occupants into the water. At the time of the incident, the vessel was loaded down with two adult men, a large labrador retriever, at least five dozen various goose and duck decoys, three shotguns, two ammo cans filled with shotgun shells, two backpacks filled with various gear and shotgun shells, two deep cell batteries, a trolling motor, a homemade duck blind (screwed onto the vessel), and various tools. There were multiple fire extinguisher and PFD's on the vessel as well. Both Operator and Owner were wearing neoprene waders at the time. Owner was able to put on a PFD before the boat capsized.
Owner stated he tried throwing a PFD to Operator but Operator did not see it and was unable to put a PFD on before the vessel capsized. Both Operator and Owner were able to grab onto the capsized vessel and float with it. They were also able to get dog to stand on the bottom of the vessel since it was not submerged. Operator, Owner and dog floated with the vessel for approximately one hour before a rescue vessel arrived. All occupants were brought to shore safely and treated. No injuries occured besides body temperatures being low. Both Operator and Owner refused to be transported to a hospital and were released after warming up. The rescue crew was able to retrieve some property. The Cheney Public Lands Manager and myself was able to recover the capsized vessel and some property.
Cheney Reservoir
Cheney                        