RedactedNarrative: Synopsis:  
  On May 1, 2022 a boat accident occurred via sinking on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Walton County, FL.  The USCG assisted and secured the vessel out from Cessna Boat Ramp on Hogtown Bayou.  The operator was identified and he contracted with Sea Tow to bring the boat into the ramp on 5/5/22.  The boat on trailer was secured on property owned by the operator in Santa Rosa Beach. 
  Details:
  On May 2, 2022 at approximately 6:43 PM a call came into FWC Dispatch by the USCG of a tow of a vessel taking on water in the Choctawhatchee Bay off Four Mile Point at Hogtown Bayou.  They towed and anchored it in about 6-10 Ft water off the point near Cessna Boat Ramp on Hogtown Bayou.  The USCG attempted to pump out the water but the inflow was too much.  The boat was partially submerged, anchored, secured at that time with estimate 200 gallon water inside by USCG estimate.
  The operator was identified as OP1.  The operator and passengers were secured by the USCG.  
  On May 3, 2022, I initiated this investigation looking into the registration and attempts to contact the operator.  The IL registration  identified the boat as a white/blue 2001 Wellcraft cabin cruiser 27' with a 280 HP inboard engine pleasure boat.
  On May 5, 2022, we met with the operator, at his rental apartment in Santa Rosa Beach.  He indicated Sea Tow had been contracted by him to lift and float the boat into the ramp listed.  Their fee was $3500.  The operator stated the stern area of the engine out drive and exhaust portion was torn allowing water intake.    The operator answered out questions and stated the vessel belong to him now since he was divorced.  The vessel was still in her name but he had brought it down to Florida after their separation.  The vessel registration was expired on 6/30/17.
  On May 9, 2022, we revisited the area to inspect under the vessel on its trailer for damage.  This location was off of Santa Rosa Beach on a lot the operator stated was his with some work equipment there.  I photographed our findings and found the vessel out drive with a torn exhaust flex pipe inside the out drive internal portion which allowed the water into the hull.  From our inspection it is unknown what caused this from either neglect or from a suspected rope the operator stated from attempting to pull another boat in on 5/1/22 in Destin, Okaloosa County, on the Choctawhatchee Bay. 
  This vessel mentioned above was a separate incident and it sank too.  FWC Officers investigated this and submitted his boat accident investigation.
  I continued my investigation into the vessel, owner, operator and insurance.  To date, unable to contact owner.  I found neither vessel above had insurance.  I found a rope could have possible got inside the out drive as inspected by Officers and tore the tubing as stated by the operator.  I found the inside of and condition the engine as older and somewhat neglected in appearance at minimum.  
  On June 7, 2022, I have finalized this investigation to date.  I have found it hard to contact the operator and have left messages.  I cited the operator for the expired registration over one year violation and will direct file it with the Clerk of Court.  I will further attempt to deliver the infraction to him or mail it to the address on file.
  