OPERATOR WAS OPERATING VESSEL IN CHOPPY WAVES WHEN HE HEARD SOME POPPING AND CRACKING SOUNDS AT THE REAR OF HIS VESSEL.  OPERATOR BACKED OFF THE THROTTLE AND TURNED BACK IN TIME TO THE MOTOR SINK OUT OF VIEW.  THE STEERING CABLES REMAINED INTACT AND ATTACHED TO THE MOTOR.  VESSEL AND MOTOR WERE LATER RECEOVERED BY TOWBOAT.
SCOTTSBORO                    