RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated in effect that he and his passengers were drifting in his vessel with the engine off. They were fishing and relaxing when they realized that water was coming up from the rear deck of the vessel. He then tried to start the engine so they could quickly head back to the marina being they weren't far away; however, the propeller was evidently hitting bottom and they couldn't move. His boat began taking on more water as the tide was coming in. A USCG vessel was first on scene and he and his passengers were taken directly off of his boat on to the USCG's vessel and safely transported back to the marina. 
  
  
  Investigation revealed the following:
  
  - Shortly after beginning to take on water, Vessel #1, which had been partially hitting bottom during low tide, began listing further to its starboard side before becoming mostly submerged/sinking during the incoming tide. 
  - Back at the Leonardo State Marina boat ramp and on its trailer, it was observed that Vessel #1's drain plug was in place.
  - The integrity of Vessel #1's hull didn't appear to be compromised. 
  - When asked about Vessel #1's bilge pump, Operator #1 didn't recall hearing the bilge pump on nor was he aware if the bilge pump was operational before and/or during Vessel #1's taking on water.