Operator states on Sunday May 6, 2012 at or about approximately 8:00 p.m. he noted mechanical failure of his vessel when he observed smoke rising from below causing the engine to stop shortly after. He immediately dropped the bow anchor to keep boat from drifting, then placed call to Towboat U.S. While waiting for the tow, Operator realized the bellows had burned off due to the overheated machinery causing the vessel to take on water. Once he discovered the hole he attempted to stop the flow of water by entering the lake and stuffing his jacket in the breach from outside the hull.   The attempt to stop the water by stuffing the hole failed, only slowing the flow. Climbing back on board, he directed everyone put on life jackets.    While further surveying the problem to figure another possible solution, he discovered a second hole at the starboard deck drain allowing water in as well.  Operator again entered the water and successfully plugged the deck drain with a plastic bag.  Due to the weight of the water accumulating through the breach at the burned out bellows, the boats level had lowered significantly now causing water to be taken on through the bilge blower-vent outlets. Realizing over two feet of water had now accumulated in the engine compartment, Operator knew the boat was in serious jeopardy of sinking endangering  the lives of all aboard, and immediately sent out a general mayday alert: sinking vessel.

When he observed Chicago Marine unit vessel (M3) approaching in the distance, Operator ignited an emergency distress flare.  Chicago proceeded to deboard everyone from the sinking vessel, along with one German Shepherd dog.  Operator requested the water be pumped from the boat before leaving the scene, but the request was denied. Chicago Police Marine Unit protocol directed passenger safety receive priority.  All passengers were transported to Belmont Harbor gas dock where they were offered emergency services to insure no one under stress was neglected for treatment.  Only when care was administered or denied was Chicago clear to attend to the distressed boat. Upon arriving to location, boat had sunk.

Chicago                       