RedactedNarrative: Prelude:  
  I responded to a sinking houseboat in the Allen's Creek area of Monroe reservoir. The boat remained partially submerged, was marked, and a boat accident report completed. 
  Details of Investigation/Incident: 
          On July 16th, 2022, at approximately 3:05 p.m., I, Indiana Conservation officer (ICO) along with ICO 2 were dispatched to a sinking houseboat on Monroe Reservoir near the Allen's Creek area. Upon arrival, I observed a blue and white houseboat bearing Indiana watercraft registration, near the middle of the lake, with its bow visibly lower in the water than the stern. The occupants were struggling to get the boat closer to shore and attempting to get valuable items onto another boat that was assisting. Upon making contact, ICO boarded the houseboat and attempted to assist OP1 in getting it to shore. It was soon apparent that the vessel was not responding to attempts to steer it to shore as one of the two motors stopped working, and the decision was made to evacuate the boat before it sank. (It should be noted that all occupants of the houseboat had donned personal flotation devices prior to evacuating the boat) 
          Minutes after the occupants were safely onboard our patrol boat, the houseboat was submerged, leaving approximately 10-15 feet of the bow exposed. We quickly gathered large items that had floated from the houseboat. An immediate interview determined that the occupants were unsure of the reason the houseboat began to take on water. WITNESS was a friend that boarded the vessel in an attempt to help remove valuable items. Both OP1 and PAX1 stated that they were leaving the cove area near Will Sowders Rd. a good distance from shore when they thought they heard a “thud”. Shortly after, the boat began to take on water. PAX1 stated that she called OP1's father and he said to take their time due to rough waves and try to get to shore. PAX1 stated that she checked the bow storage compartment for water, and it was dry. She stated that she then went to the hull living area and observed ankle deep water that appeared to be entering the port side of the vessel, near the stairs. It was at this time, approximately 3:15 p.m., that myself and ICO arrived on scene.  
          After transferring the occupants to a family members boat, we stayed on scene and deployed a bright orange bouy in an attempt to warn other boaters of the protruding hull. It should be noted that the hull was protruding approximately 10' out of the water and was clearly visible. In a follow up interview, OP1 advised that she returned to the boat and placed lighted beacons on the hull as an overnight warning device. In a follow up interview with PAX1, she stated that although she is relatively new to boating, she was concerned at the amount of water the vessel was taking on due to waves coming over the bow. At this time, the cause of the accident cannot be determined.  
          Photographs will be included on the I-drive. No further action taken. 
    
  Additional:  
  On Thursday July 21, 2022, ICO was present for the removal of the houseboat. He advised that there was damage to the port side of the hull consistent with striking an object under the surface of the water. The damage was in the area that PAX1 stated she saw water entering the boat. Photos of the recovery and damage will be added to the file by ICO. 
    
  Attachments: 
  Photos (I drive) 
  Indiana boating accident report 
    
  Applicable Statutes: 
  N/A 
  Current Disposition: 
  This report completed and submitted for approval on July 28th, 2022. 
   
  