The accident occurred on 10/27/2013 around 0930hrs and involved a single vessel (later identified as a Helicat 22 feet, HIN #: VHC3S101H314) with two occupants on board. 
According to the owner/operator and one other occupant were en route from Haulover Boat Ramp to Bimini on the above mentioned vessel for testing purposes. Operator stated that they were approximately 20 miles east of Miami when one of the pontoons of his vessel lost the front port hatch and started taking on water into the storage compartment. Operator also stated that the weather conditions were rough and he decided to turn the vessel back around to get back to Miami. Operator stated that during the effort to turn the vessel around the front starboard side pontoon hatch also broke off causing the vessel partially sink. Operator said that he had no time to send out a distress signal over VHF Channel 16 but his emergency beacon send out a Mayday signal. Operator was able to pass a life jacket to Occupant and used a Type IV flotation device for himself. He also was able to use lines and fenders to stay afloat and secure himself and Occupant to the partially submerged vessel. At around 1030 hrs the vessel totally sunk and two occupants had to detach from the vessel and started to stay afloat when they noticed a USCG Helicopter performing a search pattern. After several passes, USCG spotted the occupants and lowered a rescue basket and a rescue swimmer. Operator and Occupant were safely brought onboard the aircraft and returned to the Miami Beach Coast Guard Station. Both occupants were uninjured. The vessel fully sunk and is not retrievable.
MIAMI