On 08/14/13 I, CPO, was notified of a vessel that had sank while moored to a dock on 07/24/13 at 31st Street Harbor in Chicago, IL. The Chicago Police Department Marine Unit had responded to this call around 4:30 am to find the vessel had sunk and the two occupants along with their dog were safe and uninjured on the dock. 

The vessel, "Borrowed Time" , was moored to the dock in slip C-19 and had two occupants sleeping on board at the time of the accident. The vessel had not been under way and the conditions were calm and clear. The owner of the vessel stated his dog woke him up by barking. When Subject arose, he stepped out of bed to see what the dog was startled by. At that time, Subject stated he stepped into water in the floor of the cabin and new the boat was sinking. Subject''s girlfriend, was also on the vessel asleep at the time. Subject stated he immediately woke Subject2 up and exited the vessel onto the dock. Subject stated the vessel was flooding, then sank, coming to rest on the bottom with both the bow and stern lines still tied to the dock. 

Subject believes a fresh water intake pipe cracked under the floor of the vessel, causing water to rush in and sink the boat. Subject stated the water was rushing in too fast for the two bilge pumps, which were operational at the time, to remove enough water to stay afloat.

The vessel was lifted the the surface and towed to the ramp by Boat U.S. The vessel was then trailered and taken by Boats-R-Us to their tow yard in Joliet, IL. where it is still located. The vessel is believed to be a total loss with damage estimated at $41,000.00.

There was no operator and the boat was not underway at the time of the sinking. No enforcement action was taken. 

Nothing Further
Chicago