RedactedNarrative: On 5-13-18, at approximately 13:30 hours, Operator and passengers were traveling on Dale Hollow Lake from the Dale Hollow State Park Marina toward the Wisdom Marina when their boat began taking on water. Operator was able to get the boat to shore and tied up before it completely sank. When I arrived on the scene, the boat was almost completely submerged in the water with just a little of the bow exposed. Operator and passengers were standing on a friend's pontoon that had pulled up to help them.  Operator was unsure of why the boat began taking on water. Operator stated that he believed the drain plug was in his boat. I was unable to confirm while I was on scene if this was correct. Both witnesses stated that they were traveling toward Wisdom dock when they noticed the boat was taking on a lot of water and the stern was beginning to sink.  They also stated they were able to get to shore and call for help before the boat completely sank. There were no injuries. 
  Based upon my investigation, I concluded that the bilge pump on the boat was not operating. Since the party left Dale Hollow State Marina and did not take on water while in the no wake zone, I believe that the plug was in the boat. Due to the low profile of the boat, the rough water, and slight wind the vessel was taking on water and the bilge pump was not properly expelling the water from the vessel. 
  Operator had the boat removed from the water by a friend.  Operator took the boat to a boat mechanic in Albany, KY and verified that the bilge pump was not working.
  
  * All times are Central Standard Time
  * The cost of estimated damage to vessel was provided by owner, Operator 
  
  
  