The operator of the tracker boat was traveling to another fishing location on the turtle flambeau flowage, town of sherman, iron county, wisconsin. Witness on board stated the operator stopped the main motor, the boat was either at rest or nearly so, then the operator walked to the bow to deploy the trolling motor. 

The operator fell overboard while deploying the trolling motor and pushed the boat away with his foot as he fell. Witness states they were approximately forty feet from shore and witness told operator to swim to shore. 

Operator stated he couldn't and the witness again told him to swim to shore. Witness stated he tried to hand the operator a net but the operator was out of reach. Operator then went under the water and witness dove in, located operator, and swam to the nearby island. Cpr efforts were unsuccessful. Witness stated the operator had consumed beer but was not intoxicated.

Turtle Flambeau Flowage
Sherman                       