The Operator (victim) and a Passenger were in a canoe, fishing on a lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). The Passenger caught a fish, which caused the canoe to capsize. Both canoe occupants fell into the water. Neither were wearing a life jacket. The Passenger tried to throw a life jacket to the Operator, but he grabbed a backpack by mistake. 

The Operator could not swim and he went under. The four remaining in the group searched for the victim before two portaged out to report the incident to law enforcement. The man's body was recovered on 6/23/2023. Alcohol was not a factor. There was no damage to the canoe. (Specific information for the canoe is unknown, as there are 24 of this type and size listed for this owner.)

Gillis
Grand Marais                  