RedactedNarrative: Operator of vessel 1 and his passengers had departed from his residence in southwest cape coral, and were going for a cruise on the caloosahatchee river. Operator stated that near the icw channel marker 92, he experienced engine trouble with the port engine. Operator stated that he was able to "restart" the engine, and decided to continue his cruise up river. As operator approached icw marker #94, he reported "white smoke" coming from the cabin and engine room. Operator called for assistance from the united states coast guard and tow boat us. 
  When lee county sheriff's office cpl. arrived on scene, no smoke was seen coming from the vessel. Cpl. was able to set the vessel's anchor and begin assessing the situation. Cpl. discovered that the vessel was rapidly taking on water from the transom area. The operator and the passengers were safely transferred on the cape coral police dept. Vessel, which had also arrived on scene. 
  Tow boat us arrived on scene and placed pumps onboard operator' vessel to dewater the vessel. Towboat us then towed the vessel back to operator' residence, and placed it on the lift. 
  Cpl. was able to determine that the vessel was taking on water via a "thru hull" fitting for the exhaust on the port engine. The rubber boot aft of the river had melted, allowing water to backfill into the vessel via the "thru hull" exhaust. The engine compartment of the vessel was full of water. The forward bilge was overflowing with water into the cabin of the vessel, causing water damage into the interior of the vessel's cabin. 
  Due to the unknown exact amount of damage done to the vessel, cpl. completed a boating accident investigation. Cpl. believes the damage to exceed $2000.00. 
  Operator stated that the vessel had recently undergone extensive engine work.