Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officials say 55-year-old Michael L. Thomas of Decatur passed away and a second boater was able to swim to shore after their boat sank on Chickamauga Lake near Cottonport Marina. The two men were in a johnboat that sank in six feet of water in Johns Slough, just south of the marina. A nearby angler heard the commotion and went to assist. Meigs County, TWRA and several citizens assisted with recovery of Thomas. It is unknown why the boat sank at this time. The incident remains under investigation. Authorities say Thomas was not wearing a life jacket.