On Sunday, June 24, 2012 at approximately 6:20 AM Vessel 1 was engaged in trolling 10 miles off shore.  Vessel 1''s engine began emitting black smoke and was shut off.  A fire extinguisher was used on the engine, despite not seeing flames.  Operator then called 911 and US Coast Guard while Subject used the kicker motor to come to shore.  After travelling approximately 6 miles, Lake Forest Fire department arrived onscene and met with Vessel 1.  After approximately 2 minutes, the wiring in the console began emitting black smoke.  Lake Forest used their fire extinguisher on the console while Operator and Subject boarded Lake Forest''s boat.  Coast Guard Station Wilmette arrived on scene and took a preliminary report.

Coast Guard Station Wilmette kept a boat on scene while the smoke on Vessel 1 turned into flames.  Vessel 1 eventually sank due to the fire creating paths for water to enter and came to rest on the lake bottom approximately 4 miles off shore from Lake Bluff on Lake Michigan in 45 feet of water.  

I received notification about this accident on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM, and at the time, Vessel 1 was still under water.  Full Throttle Marine from Waukegan will be locating, and bringing Vessel 1 to shore for salvage.

No enforcement action was taken.

Lake Bluff                    