Operator #1 stated in effect that he struck the submerged sandbar while operating at approximately 10 knots. Operator#1 stated that the location of those on board was unknown because they had been walking around prior to striking the sandbar.

Investigation Revealed:  Vessel #1 was traveling northbound in the ICW near marker #475. Vessel #1 struck a submerged sandbar on the west side of the ICW near marker #475. Vessel #1 struck a submerged sandbar on the west side of the ICW.  The grounding caused damaged to the vessel allowing water to enter the vessel. It should be noted there is no marker on the west side of the ICW indicating the boundry of the channel.  The sandbar is shown on nautical charts but no visable markers are present to warn of the sandbar.
Without local knowledge or with out using navigation charts, one would not know the western boundry of the channel.
Lower Twp