RedactedNarrative: O4/3/19 at approx. 3:00pm, operator/vessel owner and passenger/witness were in S1''s vessel(V1) at idle speed in Elk River near the entrance into Wheeler Lake.  They noticed V1 started taking on water around the rubber seal/gasket (Bellow) where the outdrive goes through the back of the boat hull(stern of vessel).  
  
  They called a friend to try and tow the vessel back to the Lehigh boat ramp near Highway 72 in Elk River, but V1 continued to take on water and the back of the vessel eventually sunk to the bottom and left approx. 1 foot of the front of the boat(bow of vessel) sticking out of the water.  S1 called Lauderdale County 911 to report the incident after they got a ride back to Lehigh boat ramp at 5:39 pm. Trooper  contacted S1 at approx. 6:00pm.  No injuries reported by either S1 or S2.  Tow Bow U.S. was contracted to raise the vessel and tow it back to Lehigh ramp to put on the boat trailer. This was done on 04/04/2019 at approx. 630pm.  Damage estimate was made by S1.