The operator of vessel 1 launched from Callville Bay Marina where the vessel had been stowed in the water the previous two weeks. After launching, the operator and one occupant went to the area directly East of Battleship Rock where they took turns water skiing. They noticed that the vessel began to take on water. The operator of vessel one stated that they did not hit any rocks and that the drain plug had been secured prior to launching. The vessel continued to take on water faster than the bilge pump could pump it out. Once the water reached the interior of the vessel''s seats the operator contacted Lake Mead Dispatch to report the incident. Both occupants also donned PFDs at this time. A National Park Service vessel was launched as well as the Callville chase boat. The chase boat arrived on scene first and used a supplemental pump to drain the vessel and it was towed back to callville where it was put onto a trailer. Rangers arrived on scene by land to take a report. There was no external damage to the hull of the vessel and the drain plug was secured. The vessel had flooded until there was approximately 1" of freeboard remaining when the callville vessel arrived on scene. The vessel was a total loss due to the innundation of the water. After reconfirming with the officer, it appears the rubber boot around the inboard/jet had deteriorated causing the vessel to take on water.
Henderson