RedactedNarrative: On 5/22/21 at 17:15 a 15'' bass boat began to sink on Lake Mattoon.  Myself and CPO arrived on scene at approximately 17:50 and spoke to Operator and his passenger.  Operator informed me when the boat initially began to take on water he beached it on the shore to check and make sure the plug was in it.  After confirming the plug was in he tried using the bilge but it would not work.  Operator said he felt panicked and pushed off from shore to try motoring the boat back to Lake Mattoon Marina.  Operator said the boat began taking on water quickly at the stern so he and his passenger grabbed what personal items they could, exited the boat and waded to shore.  
  
  Operator said the boat sank quickly and turned upside down as it sank.  Operator and Occupant were picked up by Lake Mattoon marina patrolman and brought back to the marina.  Neither Operator or Occupant reported any injuries and refused medical attention.  On 5/23/21 at 0900 myself and CPO returned to Lake Mattoon to assist Lincoln Fire Dept. dive team in removing the boat from the water.  The boat was towed with assistance from dive team members to a private launch near where it had sank.  We uprighted the boat once we got it to shore and were able to get it winched back onto trailer.  I checked the boat for all required safety equipment and found no violations.  Visual inspection of the hull indicated no significant damage, cracks or holes.  
  
  End Report.
  