On 7/31/12, Sgt. was notified by dispatch to contact the St. Mary's water patrol Officer.  Deputy advised that two subjects were fishing near Rabbit Island and their vessel had sunk. Deputy advised that the two subjects were in the water but they were not injured.  S. A. and I then proceeded to the nearest landing in the area to retrieve the subjects.  The subjects advised they were fishing near Rabbit Island  reef when the waters became rough and started to come  over the stern of their vessel.  They advised their bilge pump was out and the vessel sank.  Agents recovered the persons involved floating with life vests approximately a mile from where the vessel went down.  The owner advised that he would try to recover his vessel, but had no insurance.  PFD's were used and alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this incident.  After several weeks I spoke to operator and he said that they had made an attempt to recover his vessel but was unsuccessful.  He advised that when they tried to pick the vessel up it would break apart.
Centerville                   