RedactedNarrative: On 02-04-17 at approximately 1030 hours, I Officer with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched to a capsized vessel appromately 8 miles off Gordons Pass in Collier County with 5 occupants on board.
  
  Operator and four other occupants (see report for names) traveled approximately 7 miles west off Gordon Pass to a fishing location. After setting the anchor at the fishing location, Operator noticed a large amount of water inside the front of the vessel. Operator stated that he cut the anchor line, started the motors and attempted to drain the water by accelerating forward. 
  
  The weight of all the water went to the stern causing the engines to stall and sink into the water. Once Operator realized the water would not drain from the vessel he made the occupants on board aware that they "didn’t have much time and needed to be ready to get in the water”. Operator was able to broadcast a mayday call on his VHF radio. All occupants put on life jackets and entered the water for their safety. USCG was able to keep communication with Operator via his portable VHF radio.
  
  A Good Samaritan overheard the mayday call and was closest in proximity at the time of the transmission. With Operator’s description of airplanes passing over, the Good Samaritans vessel was able to locate the capsized vessel and arrive approximately an hour after the 5 occupants entered the water. The 5 occupants were able to board the good Samaritans vessel to wait for further help.
  
  Shortly after Collier County Sheriffs department, United States Coast Guard and I arrived.
  
  The five occupants onboard the capsized vessel were transported to Isles of Capri by a CCSO marine unit and I stayed with the vessel until Tow Boat US arrived. Tow Boat US was able to upright the vessel and tow it safely into Bay View Boat Ramp.  
  
  Once the vessel made it safely to Bay View Boat Ramp Operator loaded the vessel onto his trailer.
  
  Once the vessel was on the trailer Operator stated he believes a plumbing fitting in the front of the bow caused the boat to take on water and capsize.
  