RedactedNarrative: According to the operator, on 6/30/2018 at approximately 21:30 hours, his vessel began to sink rapidly when he attempted to plane it off.  Operator and four others had been anchored near the "Dry Rocks" in the Pamlico Sound fishing for red drum.  When Operator pulled his anchor up and attempted to plane off, his vessel rapidly filled with water.  Operator, four passengers, and a dog entered the water as the vessel sank.  A small portion of the bow stayed out of the water.  As the boat was sinking, Operator yelled for someone to get the PFDs out.  
  
  Two people put on Type III PFDS, and one person was able to hold on to a Type IV.  All five could hold on to the bow that remained partially above the surface.  A phone call for help came out from the party which initiated a response from NC Wildlife, USCG, NC Marine Patrol, Hyde Sherriff's Office and private citizens.  Two good Samaritan vessels reached the vessel in distress prior to my arrival.  All passengers were brought to shore and all refused medical treatment.  
  
  Upon further investigation of the incident, it was determined that the engine had been mounted on the vessel earlier in the day.  It is mounted in a well that is located between the steering wheel and the transom.  Two of the motor mount bolts are located below deck on the vessel and one was determined to be loose.  It is my determination that the loose bolt allowed water to begin to fill the bilge area of the vessel while they were fishing.  When Operator went to plane his vessel off, the added water in the bilge area caused water to rapidly enter the opening for the engine well.  The use of alcohol and drugs did not contribute to this incident.
  
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