RedactedNarrative: According to the operator, he and his hunting campanions were headed out to Great Island in Hyde County to waterfowl hunt.  
  
  At approximately 06:00 AM on 01/07/2017 Operator advised that a large wave came over the bow of his boat (vessel #1), thus flooding it with water.  He said that initially the water was almost up to the gunwales inside of the boat.  Upon being swamped with water, Operator's engine shut off.  He and his passengers immediately put on PFDs.  He started the engine back up and began operating the vessel again.  The vessel is self bailing and stayed afloat until they made it to Great Island.  
  
  During this time of operation, he was only able to operate the vessel at minimal speed due to it being full of water.  He advised that a 14 ft canoe and other gear floated out of the boat while heading towards the Island.   Upon making it to shore, he contacted 911 and advised them of his situation.  
  
  Officer with NC Marine Patrol contacted me at 06:24 am about the incident.  I met him at Swan Quarter WRC access and we used his 23 ft. Regulator to make it out to Great Island.  Upon our arrival, we observed 3 individuals and a dog standing on Great Island. They were using a light to attract our attention.  
  
  Operator's skiff was washed up on the bank with waves breaking over it.  At 7:04 AM, weather flow had a wind gust of 57 mph in this vicinity.  I made sure all subjects were okay.  I had them pull their gear further back on the Island in order to minimize the loss of  personal property.  At that time, I had each one of them put on a PFD and began preparing for Officer to pick us up.  We transported them and their dog back in.  Operator made arrangements with an individual to remove his boat and remaining gear from the Island on the following day.  The vessel and gear have been removed.  The vessel sustained scratches to the hull, damaged batteries, and it needs to be rewired due to being submerged in saltwater.  In addition, the group lost a 14 ft canoe, vhf radio, and approximately two dozen decoys. The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this accident.  No violations were detected.
  
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  END OF REPORT