Operator was on plane turning around buoy 19 on the east end of Lake Macatawa when he struck an object in the water.  After hitting the object, the vessel was thrown on the port side.  The Operator was able to recover the boat, and attempted to get the vessel to the boat ramp at Dutton Park.  As they attempted to get to the ramp, the vessel started to take on water.  The vessel eventually sank 15 to 20 feet from shore.  The 5 passengers were taken ashore by 2 PWCs.  One person fell out of the vessel upon impact,.  No injuries.
Damage to boat on hull and engine: $5000.
I called the operator on 10/20/2010 and asked him what he struck, and if it was a marked hazard or by the buoy.
He said he was not even at the buoy, and struck an unknown, submerged object.  He stated that the Sheriff Department contacted the USCG to see if they could remove whatever it was that was in the water.  His boat was totalled.  He plans to get a new one with a depth finder this time.  He stated he was in unfamiliar waters and if he would have had a depthfinder at the time of the accident, it is possible this could have been avoided.  Nothing is known about the object in the water.
Holland Township              