RedactedNarrative: On July 3, 2017, Operator was operating a 1992 16''2'' Ozark deck boat on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County.  Operator left Mountain Cove Marina and traveled upstream to the Dandridge Access Area to view the fireworks show.  Operator was adrift approximately 60 yards from the end of new dock at the Access Area.  Operator had been in this location for approximately an hour when he noticed the vessel was taking on water. 
  
  At this time, Operator advised family members who were swimming around vessel to board the boat.  Operator cranked motor to attempt to get vessel to bank.  The motor immediately died and vessel submerged to the bow.  Operator and family were assisted onto a nearby pontoon boat.  
  
  Vessel was towed by TWRA to Dandridge Access Area to keep vessel from sinking completely.
  Upon examination of vessel, a cracked rubber gasket on the stern of vessel just above waterline allowed water to seep into hull.  The high volume of wake due to the boat traffic attending fireworks show increased amount of exposure of water to gasket.  With the additional weight of family members added to hull, the vessel quickly took on more water over transom and into multiple open hatches on deck.
  