Vessel 01 was at anchor in the Fort Pierce Inlet. The bow of the vessel was facing East, with the anchor being set off the stern of the vessel. The vessel began to take on water from the stern due to the strong tidal outgoing current, rough seas and placement of the anchor on the stern side of the vessel. The operator of vessel 01 attempted to disengage the anchor by hand, but was not successfull. The operator then engaged the motor and attempted to power the vessel forward to disengage the anchor. The anchor did not disengage, which caused the stern to submerge beyond the water line. The vessel quickly filled with water and simultaneously capsized with the anchor still set in place. Both the operator and occupant were ejected from the vessel and were rescued minutes later from a nearby fisherman.
HUTCHINSON ISLAND SOUTH