On December 26, 2012 at approximately 0817 hours, I Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, was notified of a large sailboat that had run aground in Stump Pass.  The vessel (FL 4414 DG), is a 1980 Hunter 33 foot sailboat.    

I arrived on scene by water at approximately 0910 hours.  The vessel (V01) was located at N26^ 53. 652 W82^ 20.546.  The only part of the vessel that was visible was approximately 20 foot of the mast.

I gained information that the vessel grounding had happened December 25, 2012 at approximately 1200 hours after speaking with FWC dispatch, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector St. Pete and Sea Tow Englewood.  The Owner/Operator of the vessel contacted USCG on VHF Channel 16 to advise them he had ran aground in Stump Pass.  Soon after making contact with USCG, Operator realized the rudder had broken off and the vessel was taking on water.  Sea Tow Englewood was notified and was able to respond and remove Operator, his wife and stepson from the sinking vessel.

Sea Tow transported the 3 persons on board to Stump Pass Marina uninjured.  USCG responded by water to observe the condition of the vessel.  USCG advised they placed a 360 degree light on top of the mast and confirmed that the vessel was anchored.  USCG has put out a "Notice to Mariners" on VHF Channel 16, with the description of the vessel in Stump Pass until it is removed.

I conducted an interview on December 27, 2012 at approximately 0945 hours with Operator and asked him to fill out a sworn written statement of the events that took place on December 25, 2012.  A brief overview of our conversation and statement is as follows:

- Operator stated he was operating the vessel, headed west out Stump Pass when he ran a ground on a sandbar on the south side of the channel
- The rudder had broken and created a hole in the bottom of the vessel
- All 3 persons on board were wearing personal flotation devices when removed from the vessel by Sea Tow
- Operator has over 100 hours operation the style of vessel
- It was a strong outgoing tide 

Operator''s statement is attached.

Sea Tow Englewood is handling the removal/salvage of the vessel.  Due to the unfavorable sea conditions, the vessel has not yet been removed.  Operator does have insurance on the vessel and says vessel is valued at approximately 10,000 dollars.
ENGLEWOOD                     