On 09/01/2012, U.S. Coast Guard received information that a 23 foot fishing vessel capsized approximately 25-30 miles off shore from Sanibel Island. Investigation revealed that the vessel, a 23 foot Mako bearing Florida registration FL-5080-LT, was anchored approximately 25 miles off shore at the Arc Reef. The crew had just started fishing when the vessel began taking on water at the back of the transom area. Within a couple of minutes, the vessel went into a vertical position with the bow aiming up in the air. The vessel rolled to its starboard side, capsizing, leaving the six crew members floating in the water for approximately thirty-two hours. At approximately 10:00 hours the following day, the six individuals were rescued from the water by a good Samaritan who was passing by in a sailboat. The crew was safely transported to shore and three of the occupants were taken to local hospitals to be treated for dehydration. The vessel was located on 9/9/2012 and towed to shore by Sea-Tow. 

The cause of the accident was determined to have been an eight inch diameter cap that was located in the center of an 18" X 10" panel that had popped off. This panel and cap were located at the back of the vessel on the transom platform. As a result of the cap missing, the water that was rolling up over the transom began to enter into the bilge filling it quickly with sea water. The rocking motion of the ocean caused the high rising bilge water to slosh up against the bottom of the panel and eventually knocked the 18" X 10" panel out. This panel was fastened by six screws. The water continued to enter into a now larger hole. The bilge pumps were unable to keep up with the incoming water and by the time the captain could react the boat capsized. 

Subject injured his right knee when vessel capsized. He was treated by EMS at shore and transported to Gulf Coast Hospital where he was kept for a couple of days for observations.  He was treated for dehydration, scraped right knee and severe sunburn.   

Subject2 was treated at shore by EMS and transported to Gulf Shore Hospital and kept for observations. Subject was treated for dehydration and sunburn and released two days later.

Subject3 suffered with hypothermia and severe sunburn.
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