RedactedNarrative: At 1548 hours, marine unit deputies responded to an alert on vhf ch. 16 of capsized vessel and nine people in the water in boca ciega bay northeast of pinellas bayway. Once on the scene, nine people were observed clinging to the capsized vessel. Deputies were able to retrieve all individuals from the water and assist them aboard our patrol vessel. We alerted the United States coast guard sector st. Pete of our arrival. 
  
  We transited to gulfport marina where we met gulfport fire and rescu to assess and treat each for minor injuries.
  
  Through our investigation, it was determined that the vessel began taking on water over the bow as a result of several of the vessel passengers shifting forward while photographing nearby dolphins. 
  
  Once the vessel began taking on water, the operator attempted to get the vessel underway to drain the water but the vessel had too much water and weight on board. It was also later revealed the vessel could not de-water due to a towel clogging the drain scupper. 
  
  The vessel was equipped with an automatic bilge pump, which was functioning at the time, but unable to keep up with the rate of flow coming on board. All subjects on board were able to don lifejackets prior to the vessel capsizing. Eckerd collage search and rescue arrived on scene and were able to right the vessel with pumps and tow the vessel to gulf port marina in order for the marine unit deputies to inspect the vessel. The vessel is an 18 foot bow rider and was rented from treasure island boat rentals. all subjects on board are vacationing from michigan. this is an ongoing investigation.
  