RedactedNarrative: On 10/27/20, I was contacted by the USCG informing me of a partially sunk, unoccupied boat in the Des Plaines River near Empress Riverboat Casino.  I located the vessel from shore, downstream of the described location and observed as Towboat US worked on the vessel.  Later that evening, in speaking with representative of TowboatUS, it was determined the boat was grounded outside the navigable channel, possibly hung up on a rock and had taken on a significant amount of water, likely resulting in damage greater than $2,000.  Per Towboat US, no one was injured in the incident and the operator and passenger were relocated by TowboatUS to a local hotel.
  
  On 10/28/20, after verifying the vessel was still there from shore (PHOTO #1), I visited the site via boat to photograph the vessel as it was in the water and to acquire GPS points of the vessel and nearby navigation marker buoys (SCREENSHOT #1).  The vessel was located outside the navigable channel, near river mile marker 282 (PHOTO #2).  I acquired contact information from the owner and passenger, who were on shore nearby.  The vessel was recovered/removed from the river over the following days.  On 10/31/20 I sent the operator the required Recreational Boating Accident Report form via email and requested a written statement of the incident.  On 11/02/20, the operator returned the completed reporting form (ATTACH #1) as well as a detailed typed written statement (ATTACH #2).
  
  The following is a summary of details from the operators statement and is not verbatim.  While traveling downstream on the Des Plaines River, the operator heard a noise like it was going over something and the vessel slowed abruptly.  They called for a tow, concerned about causing damage.  The towboat operator said they were on rocks.  As the towboat attempted to tow the boat free, they heard and felt a loud pop.  They noticed the boat appeared to be listing to the starboard side (PHOTO #3) and noticed approximately 2.5 to 3 feet of water in the engine compartment.
  
  Referenced photos, screenshot and attachments have been uploaded to this report under the same name as referenced.
  
  NOTHING FURTHER TO REPORT.  CASE CLOSED.  EVIDENCE CLOSED.
  