On Friday 06/08/12 at approximately 1200 hours, I (Seasonal Game Warden) while raising the small craft advisory flag at the Cave Rock boat ramp, was summoned to the south end of the Cave Rock parking lot at the report of a vessel in distress.  I observed a boat with 5 occupants adrift in rough water (approximately 3 foot waves) and strong south westerly winds (approximately 25 mph).  When first observed, the vessel was approximately 400 yards off shore and fast approaching the granite boulder sea wall.  I instructed the occupants of the boat to put life jackets on and to throw out and anchor and secure it to the bow in an effort to prevent the vessel from striking the sea wall and afford time for a rescue.  The operator of the vessel and his son deployed their anchor and secured the line to the bow but the anchor failed to stop the boat.  

Prior to the vessel impacting the sea wall, Son evacuated the vessel in an effort to prevent the boat''s collision with the rocks.   Operator also evacuated the vessel once the vessel began striking the sea wall.  I removed a three year old child at her mother''s request and safely seated her on the sea wall.  I then helped the mother and one other out of the boat.  I advised all the occupants to stay away from the boat due to the force of the waves and wind.  On numerous occasions, Son disregarded my advice and reenterd the vessel to retrieve personal items.  Other than a minor abrasion to Son''s right ankle, none of the occupants sustained any injuries.  Son refused medical attention offered by the Tahoe/Douglas Fire Dept. which responded.  
Vessel Assist responded at approximately 1330 hours but was unable to tow the boat from the sea wall due to the rough water conditions.  The boat was secured to the rocks in an effort to minimize damage and prevent it''s movement so it could be towed once the lake calmed.  The boat remained in this location until Sunday, 06/10/12 at approximately 1000 hours when Vessel Assist was able to tow it to the ramp and place it on the owner''s trailer.  

Operator stated that he experienced engine malfunction due to over heating of the engine as a result of a defective water pump within the engine cooling system.

Zephyr Cove                   