RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated to the effect that they were operating the vessel in heavy seas when they noticed the bow started dipping into the waves.  They ran down to check the cabin and they noticed the cabin was full of water.  They realized that they were sinking and put out a "MAYDAY" on the VHF Radio Channel 16.
  
  Witness #1 (Owner of Vessel #1) and Witness #2 statements concurred with the Operator #1 Statement.
  
  Investigation at the scene revealed:
    While I was on patrol on this date and monitoring the VHF Channel 16 I heard a "MAYDAY" transmission.  The caller advised that they were off of Wildwood Crest in heavy seas and were sinking.  He also provided the above GPS coordinates of their location.  I was near the Cape May Inlet at the time and headed towards their direction.  I encountered heavy seas while enroute to their location.  Upon my arrival all 3 occupants were in the water with each wearing Type I PFDs and holding on to 1 Type IV PFD throwable ring buoy.  The vessel was submerged and only the flybridge was exposed.  I assisted all 3 occupants on Troop Vessel V2206.  I assessed all 3 occupants for any injuries.  None were reported or observed.  It was learned that Witness #2 had just been released from the hospital for pneumonia and was having difficulty breathing but refused medical treatment.  As I was retrieving the occupants out of the water he was the 1st onboard and advised that he was OK once everyone was recovered.
  
    Sea Tow/Cape May arrived on scene and was able to attach an anchor with 300 ft anchor line to the vessel and a temporary orange fender ball to mark the vessel if it became fully submerged prior to recovery.
  
    I relayed the 3 occupants to Bree-Zee-Lee Marina in Lower Twp upon their request.  I repeatedly checked their conditions and if they needed medical treatment.  They declined on each offer.
  
    Once at Bree-Zee-Lee Marina I was able to get all of the occupants information and they contacted someone to come pick them up from that location.  They again refused medical treatment.
  
  August 26, 2016
    Sea Tow/Cape May was able to recover the vessel from where it sank.  It was relayed to Avalon Marine Center in Middle Twp, Cape May County.  I observed the vessel and did not see any hull damage indicative of making impact with another object that would have caused the vessel to take on water.  I observed a large hole underneath the bow pulpit where it appeared to have separated at the hull joint which would have allowed water to enter at the bow and allow the cabin to fill with water.  This is consistent with the operator and passenger's statements with the bow sitting low in the water and the cabin filling up with water.
  