On 07-27-11 at 1700 hrs., I was dispatched to a delayed vessel accident, that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean, Bear Cut, east of Virginia Key Beach. I contacted the Owner/Operator by telephone who advised at approximately 0945 hrs., he was traveling southbound in the Atlantic Ocean in the area of Bear Cut, just east of Virginia Key Beach, operating his 1990 Spencer vessel, FL6030GM, with 5 people on board, when he lost power in both of his Yamaha 250 h.p. engines. Operator advised the weather was rough, with strong winds and waves hitting his vessel. Operator advised the vessel began to take on water, and was drifting towards the Virginia Key beach area reef. Operator advised he told everyone to put on a life jacket, and began securing his vessel.  Operator advised his vessel ran aground, and he put out a mayday call for help. Operator advised the vessel was hit by a five foot wave and capsized, sending all six people on board into the water. Operator advised the Coast Guard, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue vessel responded to the scene within 15 minutes, and rescued everyone from the water.

Operator advised H2O Tow Boat responded to the scene to tow the vessel. Operator advised company he had a contract with Tow Boat USA and wanted to wait for them to tow his vessel. Operator advised H20 Tow Boat ignored his request, and against his authority, towed his vessel to the Rickenbaker Marina. 

Operator advised no one was injured during the incident, and his vessel valued at approximately $14,000.00 dollars was a total loss.  Operator advised he also had onboard the vessel approximately $7000.00 dollars of dive gear, approximately $7000.00 dollars in fishing gear, and approximately $5000.00 dollars in vessel electronics, that were lost during the accident.
KEY BISCAYNE                  