RedactedNarrative: Vessel – 1991, 38' Bayliner 38 88 Cabin Motorboat w/2 Inboard Diesel Engines – 210 hp each
  On 01/26/2018, at about 05:59 pm., this vessel was cruising in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Smith Island, located near Oak Harbor, WA in Island county.
  According to Law Enforcement, on this date time, Operator reported to Officers, by telephone, that he was traveling from Bellingham to the Everett Marina.  According to his GPS he was traveling in the shipping lane.
  Operator reported that he had been underway for about 3 hours when he came off the bridge of his vessel into the cabin to get a jacket due to the weather.  When he came up to deck level he noticed water in the engine bilge.  He told Officers that the water was rising at an alarming rate so he called his wife and asked her to call the Coast Guard.  After speaking with his wife, Operator called 911 reaching Island Dispatch.  Operator advised the Operator that he was taking on water and he was a single occupant wearing a PFD.  
  Operator's vessel finally submerged/sank off the shore of Smith Island.  As there was no collision with any other vessel or anything in the water, Operator's speculation for the accident leads to mechanical fittings failure(s) in the engine room.  
  When the vessel was completely submerged, Operator floated/drifted over to Smith Island (approximately 20 minutes) where he was located/extracted off the shore by the Coast Guard.  Operator was airlifted into the helicopter basket then flown to Naval Station Whidbey where he was transported by ambulance to Whidbey General Hospital suffering from mild hypothermia (body temp 86 degrees).   He was treated for hypothermia and potassium deficiency then released.
  NOTE:  Island County Sheriff's Office never made contact with Operator or his vessel before the Coast Guard made contact.  The only contact by Island CSO was via telephone.
  1 Injury / 0 Fatalities
  No Apparent Alcohol Involvement 
  Vessel Total Loss – Estimated Value of $35,000
  The Operator was Wearing a PFD
  The Operator did have a Mandatory Boater Education Card
  