According to MISLE report, two individuals launched from the Colorado River Thursday morning to go 10-20 nm offshore to fish near the oil rigs.  While they tied off to a rig around 1248, they noticed water in the bilges and tried to activate the pumps (point of entry at the stern).  The bilge pumps were unable to keep up with the amount of water.  The operator called SeaTow and when he didn't get a response, he decided to head back to shore. The engines wouldn't start and the boat capsized.  They drifted.  Around 5pm the next day, the occupant became delusional. Given the occupant's known heart problems, the operator decided to swim to the rig to get assistance.  The operator last saw the occupant four hours before his rescue, wearing three pfds.  The two had been on offshore fishing trips together for 19 years, and opeartor had made 10 offshore trips on the vessel involved.  The operator had purchased the boat pre-owned without a history of repairs but the operator had performed servicing.  The cause of the accident is suspected to be related to the condition of the vessel but cannot be confirmed because the vessel wasn't salvaged.
Matagorda