On September 4, 2023, vessel 1 was at anchor and beached on the eastern shore of Chatfield Reservoir below the campground. Vessel 1 was occupied by 5 individuals (4 adults and 1 infant), there was no operator at the time. 

At approximately 1720 hours, the stern of vessel 1 sunk below the waterline inexplicably. All occupants were able to disembark from the vessel immediately to shore, there were no swimmers. Vessel 1 came to rest on a rest on an underwater "shelf" approximately 5 feet out from shore with the stern half of vessel 1 completely submerged and the bow half above the waterline. 

On September 5, 2023 Vessel 1 was equipped with air bladders for floatation and towed to the North Boat Ramps and put on the owner''s trailer. 

Upon inspection, Owner 1 speculated that water entered the bilge of vessel 1 through a through hull fitting on the starboard side near the stern and drained down an aftermarket bilge pump hose and leaked out of said bilge pump. Once enough water entered the vessel, more water was able to enter the vessel through obsolete air intake ports(engine converted to electric motor) that were open-air to the engine compartment, causing vessel 1 to rapidly sink.

CHATFIELD STATE PARK
LITTLETON                     