RedactedNarrative: On June 28, 2022, at approximately 1920 hours,  a vessel experienced sudden engine failure and took on water causing the vessel to sink.  	
  	According to the operator of Vessel #1, the vessel was traveling north about 200 yards off shore from Les Mason State Park on Whitefish Lake with 4 people on board.  The engine had been experiencing mechanical problems previously.  While at plane speed, the vessel's engine abruptly stopped working causing sudden loss of speed.  The stern wave in the back of the boat caught up to the vessel and raised the back of the boat. This caused the bow to go under water about 2 feet.  There was enough water to go over the bow and reach the windshield.  The boat started to fill with water and he tried to start the engine unsuccessfully.
  	When the boat filled with water and it started to list to the starboard side and all occupants were washed out without injury.  The rear of the boat started to sink and the boat stabilized for some time with the bow up, barely above the water.  The boat sank later, prior to local law enforcement arriving. 
  	The operator had limited boating experience on this particular vessel.  He said this was the third time he was in a boat like this one, and the second time he had operated it.  The engine had been experiencing mechanical problems today and had trouble getting it started.  
  	There was no evidence that alcohol was a factor and no one was injured in the incident.
  	There was damage to the exterior of the boat caused by dragging and trailering the boat.  The prop was damaged and rudder broken off.  It was submerged for approximately 24 hours, which could cause unseen water damage. 
  	The operator was in violation of MCA 23-2-521(8)(5) for not having a working fire extinguisher, MCA 23-2-521(8)(2) for not having a Type IV throwable PFD, and MCA 23-2-512(4) for not filing with the county treasurer after the transfer of ownership.  Engine failure was the primary contributor to the sinking of this boat.  Secondarily was operator inexperience, and the design of the vessel may have played a role. One citation for MCA 23-2-512(4), and one warning for (MCA 23-2-521(8)(2) equipment violation were served to the operator.