On 5/12/11, Operator left Neah Bay then ran out of Swiftsure Bank to fish for halibut.  The water conditions were rough.  When Operator stopped to fish his passengers became seasick.  Because his passengers were seasick, Operator decided to return to shore.  While Operator was running back to Neah Bay his motor started to lose RPMs.  Operator tried to incrase the throttle but the motor stayed around 3000 RPMs.  Operator continued on towards shores.  The motor's RPMs dropped a second time to about 2500 RPM.  Operator then noticed that the boat's stern was sitting low in the water.  Operator checked the cuddy cabin and everything looked dry.  when Operator cut power, water rushed into the cuddy cabin.  Operator saw that water level was about up to the top of the cabins' seats Operator used his cell phone and called 911 for assistance.

US Coast Guard broadcasted a vessel in distress call.  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and a Coast Guard vessel responded.  Operator passengers were transferred to Fish and Wildlife's patrol boat.  While the Coast Guard was attempting to dewater Caper's boat, a large wave hit it and the boat overturned.  Operator boat was towed in and pulled from the water.  the hull was examined and no obvious damage was found.  Operator suspects a PVS fitting to a scupper, for the live well tank may have failed, allowing water to enter the hull.  The PVC fitting is located under the live well tank and is not accessible for inspection.

Neah Bay                      