At approximately 3:00pm on august 7, 2011 vessel 1 operated by sea tow captain arrived in topsail inlet to assist vessel 2.  Vessel 2 had experienced mechanical failure and was anchored from the bow and stern.  The stern of vessel 2 was facing the shoreline in approximately a foot of water.  When vessel 1 arrived on scene, the operator threw the operator of vessel 2 a large towline that he attached to the bow of vessel 2.  At this point, vessel 2 was still anchored from the front and rear of the vessel.  Vessel 1 began to tow vessel 2 before the operator of vessel 2 could release the anchors.  Vessel 2 was towed approximately 25 yards away from the shoreline until the bow anchor caught causing the bow to dip below the waterline and began taking on water.  The operator of vessel 1 immediately stopped the tow and yelled to the operator of vessel 2 to cut the anchor line.  The operator of vessel 2 replied he had no knife or any way to release the bow anchor.  Vessel 2 continued to take on water and turn broadside to the surf until it completely capsized and rolled over.  The operator of vessel 2 was pulled out of the surf and placed into vessel 1 who then continued to tow vessel 2 upside down.  Upon interviewing the operator of vessel 1 stated that he knew vessel 2 was anchored when he began to tow vessel 2 from the shoreline.
SURF CITY                     