RedactedNarrative: On 6-17-2014 at 1824 hrs, Operator was underway in the Pigs Point area of the James River when his boat began taking on water. He called in a mayday on channel 16 and a Coast Guard Pon Pon was issued. Myself and Officer responded by vessel locating Operator and his 2 passengers at approximately 1840. The vessel was partially submerged at that time. We brought the 3 boaters onto our vessel and set it's anchor to prevent drifting. Operator and his passengers where dropped off at Bennett's Creek Park and the vessel recovered on on 6-18-2014. The vessel was later determined to be a total loss. The vessel had taken on water due to a scupper valve hose being disconnected at which time the bilge area filled with water. The bilge pump was also found to be inoperable.