RedactedNarrative: On January 30th, 2020, I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was on duty and in uniform conducting water patrol in Key West, Monroe County, State of Florida. At approximately 1530hrs, I was dispatched to a vessel taking on water just outside the reef line in position N24 29.380 W81 36.084. 
  
  Upon arrival, an inspection of the vessel revealed that the rudder of the vessel was missing and approximatey 1000 gallons of water had entered the vessel engine room. 
  
   Operator stated that during the voyage to Stock Island, he felt a jolt which felt like he struck an underwater object. Operator stated that he noticed water filling up the engine room very quickly and went down to locate the problem. 
  
  Once in the engine room, Operator felt rushing water coming in from the vessel rudder shaft indicating that he had lost his rudder. Operator plugged the hole to stop the water and called for USCG assistance. USCG members stated that upon arrival, they noted that the vessel’s stern was significantly low in the water. USCG members stated that they pumped approximately 1000 gallons of raw sea water from the engine room. USCG members attached their patrol vessel to the Sea Ray and began to tow the vessel towards Three D Boat Yard in Stock Island. I observed no physical damage to the vessel, nor did I observe any injuries to the passengers onboard.
  
  A sworn written statement was obtained from Operator stating the above. It is my opinion that this vessel either struck an unknown submerged object or a mechanical malfunction occurred resulting in the loss of the vessel’s rudder. Upon loss of the rudder, water began to rapidly fill the vessel’s engine room.
  