On 08/22/2013, at about 5:00 a.m., this vessel was taking on large amounts of water while attempting to anchor and backing into large swells near Marker 49 on the Columbia River.  
 
The operator  indicated he had water on board the boat from the prior day and had not realized it was affecting his boat so much, keeping it low in the water.  He said river conditions were choppy and a swell crested the bow sinking the boat.  operator was left in the water for about 10 minutes.  He was able to alert nearby boaters that he was "going down".  He was rescued from the water by the other boaters.
 
No injuries or fatalities.
There was no apparent alcohol involvement.
Vessel damages were estimated at $17,750.
The operator was not wearing a PFD.
The operator did not have a mandatory Boater Education Card - Exempt by age.
There were no Rules of the Road Violations.
Kalama