Operator #1 stated that he turned around within the inlet due to water conditions being choppy and boat feeling unstable due to the weight of 8 People on board.  Water came in through the back door and they attempted to adjust the weight of passengers and their location but it was too late and this vessel sank.

Investigation revealed: After speaking with operator #1, it was determined that he left the dock with 7 passengers and himself.  While tranversing the back bay, where sea conditions were calm, he did not notice his vessel was unstable due to the added weight of the passengers.  Once outside the Townsends Inlet Bridge and within the inlet the water became choppy and he realized that the vessel was unstable due to it being overloaded.  Operator #1 then turned the vessel around and began traveling back inshore at approximately 5 Knots when waves began entering through the transome door, located on the portside.  He then attempted to shift the weight of the passengers but at this time 
the boat began sinking at the stern. The vessel became submerged and all passengers including operator # 1 entered the water with PFDs donned. All persons were rescued by the USCG and Avalon PD's Marine Unit.

Owner #1 contacted Sea Tow to remove vessel from water.  Sea Tow was unable to locate the vessel using side scan sonar and the vessel is declared lost at sea.
Avalon