RedactedNarrative: SYNOPSIS:
  I responded to a report of a swamped vessel. No injuries occurred. Ivestigation was conducted and a report was filed.
  
  INITIAL CONTACT:
  At approximately 1130 on Saturday, June 6, 2020 in Bullfrog, I (Ranger) heard a call from NPS Dispatch regarding a sinking vessel at the Main Ramp. I responded with my seasonal employee and advised NPS Dispatch of my response. There was heavy weather in Bullfrog at the time the accident occurred. 3-4 ft waves were observed out on Lake Powell, and severe wind (30-40 mph) gusts. The Uplake Lake Powell area was also under a high wind advisory and flash flood warning as well.
  
  NARRATIVE AND INVESTIGATION:
  I arrived on scene at the Main Ramp and observed an orange wakeboard boat almost fully submerged (3/4) tied off to the Main Ramp dock with numerous people trying to assist. I made contact with the party and they immediately asked if I had a pump. Contact was attempted with Aramark Exec. Services to Assist with a pump, but was not successful. I spoke with Passenger9 and she said she was the fiance of the owner of the swamped vessel, Owner/Operator. She said they had been camping in Warm Springs Canyon in a rental houseboat and were coming back to Bullfrog. Passenger9 said in her statement "personal vessel was being towed behind the houseboat on 60 ft. of rope. Someone was watching the boat while in tow, and a wave went over the front of the boat, another wave hit, battery was affected and killed the bilge pump. Boat began taking on water".
  
  I made contact with the owner of the swamped vessel (vessel 2 - an orange 2018 TIGE RZ2,), Owner/Operator. He stated that they were towing his wakeboard boat (Vessel 2) with the rental houseboat (Vessel 1 Aramark Rental J-08) and were in the main channel and fairly close to entering the Main Ramp breakwater area. Owner/Operator stated he was operating the houseboat. Vessel 2 was being towed with an approximately 60 ft. rope. Two waves one after another hit Vessel 2 caused it to swamp and the vessel was mainly underwater. Owner/Operator and the individuals on board vessel 1 were able to get the vessel to the Main Ramp and tie it up. The group was able to get Vessel 2 successfully on the trailer, and the water drained/was bailed out. In the statement provided to me, Owner/Operator said, "Tige RZR Boat was submerged behind the houseboat that was towing it due to extreme wind and waves, we pulled the Tige as close to the houseboat as possible and then drug it to the launch ramp. Once house boat and Tige were at the dock we were able to secure both boats to the dock". 
  
  There were 11 individuals on board the houseboat, Vessel 1. No one was onboard the towed vessel, Vessel 2, including no operator. Owner/Operator stated that the vessel was likely a total loss. I stated to him that I agreed with the assessment. The vessel was under water for a significant period of time, which would have flooded the engine compartment and the batteries as well. He stated Vessel 2's bilge was on as it was being towed, but that it got overwhelmed with the amount of water. Attached to this report are witness statements, pictures of the vessel, vessel insurance and registration information and a photo of the owner's driver's license.
  
  CONCLUSION:
  I provided my business card to Owner/Operator and explained how he could request a copy of the report once I completed it. He stated he would send me his insurance information and did so on Sunday (6.8.2020). Based on my investigation, my interview with Owner/Operator, pictures and interviews with witnesses: I believe the strong winds/heavy weather were significant factors in this accident. Also, towing in heavy weather was a cause of the accident as well. I cleared the scene and returned to my office in Bullfrog.
  
  End of Report