On 8/19/2012 at approximately 2:12 pm a 34' inboard-diesel cabin motorboat was traveling northeast through Rich Passage on the west side of Puget Sound in Kitsap County, near Waterman Pt. with 6 passengers on board.  Information on the passengers was not provided on BAR as required.  The vessel moved to the east shoreline to avoid a Washington State Ferry with the intent to catch the back eddies created by the current during the flood (incoming) tide. The operator indicated that the vessel had travelled this route using this method several times during the previous years.  The vessel struck a large rock just north of Waterman Point that was not on the charts.  It did not appear on the vessel's electronic plotter or the NOAA charts.   

A hole was created on the starboard side in the amidships area.  The vessel was taking on water and the operator had to wait for the flood tide for the vessel to be lifted off the rock but the bilge pump kept up the water flow while waiting.  The vessel was towed to Port Orchard Marina for temporary repairs and damages were estimated to be in excess of $2,000.00.  There were no injuries.

Manchester                    