The boat was traveling from below the lock area of Wheeler Dam toward Big Nance Creek.  The operator and passenger both said the water was choppy and they saw water enter from the hull of the boat.  They did not notice hitting anything in the water and were forced to abandon the vessel.  A passing pontoon boat picked them up and returned them to shore.  Both said they were wearing type 3 PFD's.  When I arrived on scene I went to the vessel which was upside down in the water barely floating above the surface.  I righted the vessel and towed it to the boat ramp at safe harbor.  We loaded it on the trailer and removed the vessel from the water.  There was hole about one square foot in the starboard side of the hull just behind the fishing platform.  The operator lost several items of fishing gear in addition to the damage to the vessel.
Town Creek                    