RedactedNarrative: Pre-accident: 
  
  v1 was experiencing mechanical problems at a position approx. 31 nm ssw of fort myers beach and approx. 29 nm due west of naples. V1 operator called for commercial assistance on vhf marine radio at approx. 1315 hrs via a "good sam" vessel. V2 operating company responded to the call. Reported weather conditions at the time were moderate winds and seas increasing with probable afternoon/evening thunder storms moving through the region. 
  
  V2 arrived on scene at approx. 1710 hrs and proceeded to take v1 under tow to fort myers beach. V1 operator and passenger remained inside vessel and donned pfd's. V2 operator secured tow on v1 and proceeded on a course of 048 deg at an approx. Speed of 3-5 kts. 
  
  Accident: 
  
  at approx. 1910 hrs v2 operator advised company dispatcher of increased winds and seas as well as approaching storm system. V1 began taking on water to the point of capsizing. V1 operator and passenger were forced to abandon ship and jump into the water. 
  
  Post accident: 
  
  v2 operator immediately ended tow, retrieved v1 operator and passenger aboard v2 and marked v1 position. V1 operator/passenger were then transported to fort myers beach without further incident. The following day, v1 was located by v2 operator, righted and towed to v2 company headquarters in cape coral. 
  
  Summary: 
  
  based on my investigative findings and statements provided by all parties involved, i determined that the primary cause of this accident was due to the following factors: 
  
  1) severe weather conditions in an offshore environment with a following sea 
  2) the low free board created by the cut-out transom of v1 (post accident examination of v1) 
  3) failure of transom drains to effectively keep up with the influx of sea water into the vessel (post accident examination of v1) 
  
  there were no injuries or damage to other property reported as a result of this accident. Apparent damage to v1 included engine, electronics and loss of undetermined personal items belonging to the operator and/or passenger estimated at approx. $5,000. 
  
  Nfi.