RedactedNarrative: Listed vessel, with 3 occupants started taking on water in rough seas. Owner/Occupant stated bilge failed as water continued to breach the transom and gunwales. The 3 occupants entered the water once it was determined the vessel was clearly sinking. All 3 persons were recovered shortly after entering water by near-by fishing vessel. Listed vessel rolled and capsized.  
  
  On this date, the listed 3 persons were on the listed vessel, at anchor, upon the Edison Reef. Persons 1 & 2 had just returned to the vessel after having been SCUBA diving the reef. While eating lunch in the cock pit, the group noticed water filling the deck area. Owner, turned on the bilge pump manually. This action did start the bilge bump. The vessel lowered in the water to the point the scuppers were compromised. The bilge pump was ineffective in removing the water that had collected inside the vessel. 
  
  Owner pulled the anchor up and attempted to start the vessel in an attempt to propel same forward and cause the water to exit the scuppers. This action proved futile as the water breached the cockpit. It was clear to the persons on board the vessel was in the process of sinking without recovery. Occupants stated the waves started to come over the stern and rear side gunwales. At this point, the 3 put on PFDs and Owner used VHF to contact USCG with Mayday and lowered anchor. The 3 occupants signaled to near-by fishing vessel “Fishing Express.” 
  
  As the vessel sank, the listed persons entered into the water and started swimming away from the vessel and towards the Fishing Express. As the vessel sank, same rolled and capsized. Crew members of the fishing vessel threw life rings to each of the swimmers and subsequently lowered ladder into the water, recovering each person. All three subjects stated they were not injured in the incident and required no medical attention. The Capt. of the Fishing Express advised the USCG of the location of the recovery and location of the capsized vessel.  The occupants were transported to Getaway Marina where they were interviewed and made written statements.       
  
  Owner advised he would respond back to scene in attempt to recover vessel the following day. He further advised said vessel was not insured.
  
  On 9/16/15, this officer contacted him in regards to the recovery of the vessel. Owner advised he did respond to the scene of the incident. Owner advised he was not able to locate the vessel and believes same sunk to the bottom.
  
  On 9/17/15, this officer responded to the Ft. Myers Beach USCG Station. Writer spoke with the Officer of the Day, Petty Officer 2nd class. He stated that no reports of a drifting vessel and/or capsized vessel has been reported since the incident. He advised it would have been possible for a vessel of this size to sink, capsized, anchored, and in heavy seas.  
  
  With the listed facts presented to this officer, I conclude this incident was caused by water breeching the vessel in heavy seas and a faulty bilge pump float. Once aware, Owner manually turned on the bilge pump. However, it proved too late. The vessel filled with seawater forcing the occupants to leave the vessel and enter the water, where they were retrieved by another vessel.