RedactedNarrative: 23' deckboat was traveling offshore. Vessel took on water and partially sunk. The occupants abandoned the vessel and were subsequently rescued by USCG.
   The following is a summary of OP1’s verbal statement. See the agency issued body worn camera footage for his actual statement. OP1 advised that he and his group were heading to the Vandenberg (The Vandenberg is a shipwreck frequented by divers). OP1 advised they were approximately 3.5 to 4 miles off of Key West when the vessel calmly came off of plane in a matter of about 90 seconds. OP1 stated he was going about 18 mph when the boat came off of plane. He advised the vessel was then plowing. When I inquired about odd noises or smells, he advised just the motor working harder once plowing. I inquired about the possibility of the boat hitting something, and OP1 did not believe the vessel had hit anything. OP1 stated the vessel was listing. OP1 advised they noticed the bilge pump was not pumping water out. OP1 advised they proceeded to investigate the situation and opened the rear hatch where they found the batteries to be underwater. OP1 advised during the pre-ride instructions, they were informed not to touch any switches or fuses. They disregarded the instructions and began to flip switches in order to get the bilge pump to pump. OP1 stated they were successful and the bilge pump began to pump water out. OP1 advised lines from the motor were going above and below the water. OP1 stated he continued to head to the Vandenberg because it was closer than Key West. They headed to a white mooring ball. OP1 advised they had enough PFDs for everyone, but could not find the throwable (type IV). OP1 advised they could not get the VHF to work. They attached a line to the mooring ball. In about 5 minutes, their dive equipment floated away. OP1 advised he gave USCG their GPS coordinates via cellphone after his 911 call was transferred. OP1 advised he had the coordinates from his Navionics app.
  