On January 28, 2023, at around 11:00 am, Vessel 1 was fishing above Patton Island Bridge. The vessel had engine problems and the current pushed the vessel into Patton Island Bridge. Operator was unable to start the engine before striking the bridge. The vessel struck the piling and water entered the vessel. 

Both occupants were ejected from the vessel. Subject1 was recovered from a nearby vessel with no injuries. Operator was seen swimming by Subject1 after the accident. However, Operator was not seen again after Subject1 was rescued by the nearby vessel. 

The vessel was filled with water but was not damaged. The vessel was towed to the beach of McFarland Park and then recovered by Horne Towing.

Operator went missing as a result of the incident.  Despite search efforts, his body was not located until 17 days later.  He was located by a fishing vessel, floating near a bluff at latitude 34.774913 and longitude -87.691853.  This is approximately two miles down river from the incident site.  His body was recovered and transported by the Colbert County Coroner.

Pickwick Lake
Muscle Shoals                 