RedactedNarrative: According to the operator, on june 21, 2014 at approximately 10:00am near the far eastern point of judith island in rose bay in hyde county, nc operator was operating a 16 foot 1987 winchester motor boat. His wife was also on board the vessel. They were fishing and decided to relocate. The operator started the motor and began to bring the boat up on plane. While doing so, both individuals noticed water coming into the stern of the boat. There were three fishermen nearby and occupant called to them for assistance. The water continued to fill the stern of the boat as the three fishermen helped tow the sinking boat to the nearest shoreline. Once the boat had been beached, the assisting individuals left while operator and his wife unloaded their gear onto the shore line and called seatow. All safety equipment on the vessel was in compliance with state law. Personal flotation devices were on board but were not used by the individuals throughout the course of this incident. Alcohol and/or drugs were not a contributing factor to the incident and no charges have been filed. After seatow retrieved the sunken vessel and towed it back to swan quarter wildlife access, it was revealed that the cause of the incident was a broken and dry rotted plug.