On August 20, 2011 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Vessel LA-8179FX was traveling North in Vermilion Bay.  Vessel LA8179FX is a Sea Doo jet drive vessel, driven by a steering wheel.  The vessel was occupied by two subjects, which were wearing their PFD's .  The passenger and owner opened the floor compartment to retrieve the anchor and noticed an unusual amount of water.  He then opened the engine compartment and saw that the stern of the vessel was taking on water, approximately 5 inches.  The vessel's bilge pump was not working.  owner then jumped overboard to check the drain plugs which were both still securely crewed in place. The operator then headed to the nearest shoreline for safety.  operator killed the engine after hearing the warning buzzer.  The subjects noticed that more water was entering the vessel than they were bailing out.  The subjects then called 911 for assistance.  operator started the vessel again and began heading to Bayou Pirre for shallower water.  At the time, the vessel had only inches of freeboard. The engines electrical system and engine was completely submerged with saltwater.  No use of alcohol.  Fault of equipment and machinery was a major contributing factor of the incident.
Lydia                         