Party of three were returning from hunting trip in older model 18' Lund that had no drain plug and poor running engine. Main engine failed and the trio was forced to return to Tenakee using kicker engine on the 15 mile return trip in 20 knot winds and 2' to 4' seas. When operator stopped to put gloves on a wave came over the stern and immediately swamped the vessel. The vessels' flotation had previously been removed thus the vessel sank very fast. All three were wearing float coats. The operator removed his float coat and several articles of clothing so that he could swim and assist one of the passengers that could not swim. At some point the operator accidentally pulled off the other man's float coat and he sank immediately. The other passenger who swam ahead of the other two was later found face down in the water with various bruising on his face, hands and the rest of his body.
Tenakee Springs               