RedactedNarrative: SYNOPSIS
  I responded to a report of a vessel in distress. The vessel was determined to likely be a total loss, and not injuries or loss of life. Investigation determined severe weather and storms were a significant factor. Report was filed.
  
  INITIAL CONTACT
  At approximately 17:00 on Friday, July 26, 2019 on Lake Powell, I (Ranger, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) was at Bullfrog Covered slips doing a follow-up from an earlier boat accident when I overheard Ranger asking National Park Service (NPS) Dispatch if they had heard of a report of vessel in distress on Marine Band 16. There was a significant storm hitting Bullfrog at the time of the call, high winds and 3-4 foot waves out on the water. Ranger responded from Halls Crossing Marina and NPS Rangers responded from Bullfrog. Two calls were received on Marine Band 16 regarding the vessel, and stating the vessel was towing overloaded. Due to two vessels already en route to the call, I stayed on land in Bullfrog to provide support, start the investigation and to handle other vessel distress calls due to the significant storm.  The location of the capsized vessel was in the area of Bullfrog Buoy 1. Ranger stated that there were 3-4 ft. waves and visible white caps. He further stated that wind gusts "were sustained out of the northeast at about 20 MPH with gusts into the 30's MPH". I continued to monitor radio traffic and coordinated with the NPS units. Ranger was first to arrive on scene, and shortly after reported individuals in the water, and requested the Bullfrog NPS units to expedite their response to the scene.
  
  I met Ranger (aboard NPS vessel 256) and the Good Samaritan Vessel at the Bullfrog Government Docks. All of the involved individuals were safely dropped off. As the parties were being dropped off, I responded to call of an RV in the water over at the Main Ramp in Bullfrog. Ranger did some follow up with the boat owner/operator and got his basic information. Ranger then responded to the Main Ramp, and took over the RV call and the report. He provided me the information he gathered and stated what happened. Lt. and I made contact with the involved party at the Bullfrog Lodge.  The vessel was temporarily secured to shore by Aramark Exec. Services.
  
  NARRATIVE AND INVESTIGATION
  The vessel was identified as a Blue and Yellow 2006 Moomba ski boat, 21 ft long. There were 12 individuals on board, and at the time the vessel rolled over into the water, all individuals had PFD's on. No injuries were reported. Operator1 stated that the vessel was operating approximately 10-12 mph at the time of the incident.
  
  I interviewed Operator1 at approx. 2000 that evening with Lt.. Operator1 stated that they were towing two tubes (total of 5 individuals). Operator1 stated that the 5 kids being towed were wearing lifejackets. He stated they were at the Halls Crossing Marina getting icecream, and were heading back to Bullfrog. He stated, "the wind picked up and caused big waves". We started taking water over the bow. We stopped for a minute to bail water and then we tried to continue on. We took on two more waves and the engine killed. Once we couldn't move and were completely filled with water, everyone abandoned ship. We were picked up by good samaritan boat and a ranger boat and given rides to Bullfrog. Operator1 said that they were just "casually tubing the kids on their way back to Bullfrog. He stated the bilge pump was going and that they were bailing water manually as well. He stated the bailing worked for a little while. Operator1 also said that he drained the ballast tanks as well. The waves were coming over the back end (stern) of the boat, and that the vessel was sitting low in the water. He stated his wife unhooked the tubes and let them go once the vessel filled with water. Operator1 further stated to me that when the last two waves came over the boat, the engine died, and he lost power (the engine was swamped). The last two waves overcame the vessel and Operator1 stated they got "soaked" by the waves. He stated the conditions in the vessel were similar to being in a "bathtub". The water was coming over the sides of the vessel. At this time, je stated that he told everyone to get off the vessel and shortly after the vessel rolled into the water. He stated the capacity for his vessel and 13 people.
  
  
  
  Additional follow-up was conducted and information gathered. Based on my investigation, pictures, interviews, and witness statements - the heavy weather (wind and waves), towing during hazardous conditions and also likely operator inexperience were all factors in the accident.
  
  End of Report
  