RedactedNarrative: On 06/20/2020 at approximately 1540 hours, I was dispatched to the area of Sugar Creek, Lake Oconee in reference to a boating incident. I was advised the vessel had struck an object and was currently sinking with occupants onboard. Upon my arrival to the incident location, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Marine Division was in the process of removing the occupants from the vessel safely to the shore of Sugar Creek Farms. 
  
  	As I began my investigation, I determined that the vessel struck submerged timber. Subject proceeded back to the incident location (in my patrol vessel) and stated this was his first trip to Lake Oconee. Subject also advised he was unaware of the submerged timber in the lake and was not clear on what the buoys were for.
  
  	While at the incident location, I determined the hazard buoys were in place adequately marking the standing timber located in Sugar Creek, Lake Oconee. 
  
  	My investigation determined Subject not to be under the influence and was not familiar with the area in which he was operating the rented vessel. Subject was also not familiar with the markings of hazard buoys. Hazard buoys are common in Lake Oconee indicating the locations of submerged timber, rocks etc. 
  
  	There were no reported injuries during my investigation of this incident and all members of the boating party were accounted for. The damaged vessel was towed by SEA TOW to the boat ramp located at Sugar Creek Farms. an Oconee Wild employee was waiting at the boat ramp to trailer the damaged vessel. Once on the trailer, I observed where the vessel experienced extensive damage to the lower unit and I observed some fresh fiberglass damage around the drain plug. I observed other (older) fiberglass damage to the hull (port side) of vessel, but employee confirmed this damage to have already happened. 
  
  	The damaged vessel was rented to Subject for the day.