Operator and one (1) passenger were cruising north in the Calcasieu River along the east bank, each wearing a Type III PFD when the vessel struck a submerged object.  The operator immediately stopped the vessel and turned off the motor.  The collision with the submerged object punctured a hole along the starboard side hull which caused the vessel to take on water.  The vessel eventually sank to the river bottom in 2' foot of water and was still visible from the surface as it was just beneath the waterline.  The subjects were then picked up by a good Samaritan that saw them in the water and they were taken safely to Ripley's boat launch in Westlake where they notified the Calcasieu Sheriff's Office.  The vessel was not equipped with an engine cutoff switch, PFD's were used properly and drugs or alcohol were not a factor.
Westlake                      