RedactedNarrative: Initial Report Findings- Deer Creek Island Resort Rentals at Deer Creek Reservoir advised me of a boat that had swamped because they had forgot to put the plug in before launching and it needed to be pumped out. I advised I would follow him to assist. I found the seven passengers sitting on the shore, with 90% of the 21 foot boat underwater (see video clip). Two passengers complained of injuries that occurred when they were trying to hold the boat off the shore before it sunk. All the passengers were transported in the State Park boat to the Island courtesy dock. Both injured passengers were evaluated by an ambulance and released, both stated they would follow up with a doctor for their injuries. The boat remains in the water pending arrival of a recovery company to remove it. Estimated damage is likely $10,000 to $20,000 or more. 
  
  Boat Recovery- Deer Creek Island Resort did not have a professional recovery service recover the boat due to cost. They towed the submerged boat to the Main boat ramp, and pumped out the water. Ranger was on scene, and verified that the plug had not been in the boat. 
  
  Determination of Cause- The rental boat sunk due to the plug not being placed in the boat. The bilge pump could not keep up with the amount of water entering the hull. When the boat was facing north, the north wind and wave action overcame the low in the water transom due to excess water in the hull, and flooded the boat. The boat occupants tried to drive the boat to shore and received injuries in attempt to keep the rented boat off of the rocky shore. The boat was nearly fully submerged with only a small portion of the port bow out of the water (see photos). While submerged, the boat leaked most of its fuel into the reservoir. 
  
  Passenger Statements- The boat occupants stated that they called several times to report that the boat was sinking and stated they would keep the phone records to verify the calls if needed. They stated that when they finally got through to Deer Creek Island Resort to report the boat was sinking, they were told help would be sent. The passengers were very upset that all that was sent to help them initially was a teenaged employee on a jet ski.