Vessel – 9’ Kayak, Electric motor, hp unknown

On 06/10/2023, at about 08:21 a.m., this vessel was fishing on Aberdeen Lake along the west shore, 40 yards offshore, nearest the town of Aberdeen, WA in Grays Harbor County.

According to the witness and friend, operator took the kayak, which has an electric motor on it, out across the lake. Operator was having fun “hooting and hollering” while fishing. Operator started to come back in when suddenly the front of the kayak stood up and began to sink. Operator panicked and went into the water. Operator attempted to swim back pulling the kayak but went under water and disappeared. Friend stated he ran along the shore closer to Operator’ position and went into the water, but the cold took his breath away.
 
Grays Harbor CSO arrived, launched their boat, and checked the area but was unable to locate Operator. At approximately 1200 hours, Thurston County Dive Team arrived and conducted a search for Operator.  At approximately 1900 hours, Thurston County Dive Team located Operator' body and he was brought to shore. 

The gray kayak was recovered and brought to shore. The kayak did not have the electric motor or battery onboard and there was no plug in place.

0 Injury / 1 Fatality
Alcohol Involvement: No
PFD: No
Vessel Operator Mandatory Boater Education Card: No

Aberdeen Lake
Aberdeen                      