Officer received a call concerning a boating accident involving his vessel.  Operator was the operator and owner of the vessel.  The accident occurred on september 9, 2012 around 7:30pm.  Operator stated he and a friend had launched the boat at lock and dam #2 in elizabethtown.  Operator stated they were fishingand noticed the vessel had water in the bilge.  Operator tried to operate the vessel back to the boat ramp and could not make it.  He stated he tried to bail some of the water out of the vessel, but it started sinking.  Operator and his passenger made it to the shore.  Operator thinks the water was entering the vessel from somewhere around the motor or jet seal.
 
The operator and his passenger walked for several hours before returning to his vehicle.  Operator stated the boat was equipped with two portable six gallon fuel tanks; one tank was empty and the other contained fuel.  He stated he threw one tank on the shore line and the other floated up while the vessel was sinking.  All fishing equipment, coolers, tackle and vessel have not been recovered. Officer searched the shore line for any sign of the vessel and did not find anything.
 
Neither the operator or passenger suffered from any injuries.
No charges were filed.
Operator stated he was going to try to recover the vessel and any equipment he could find.
The vessel's value was estimated around $10,000.00, other equipment lost was estimated around $3000.00.
Exact location of the place of the accident is not known at this time.  Gps coordinates on page 1 are not accurate.

ELIZABETHTOWN                 