On 06/13/23, i, officer was contacted by sgt in reference to a possible boat accident in the cedar creek area of lake wateree. Upon arrival to cedar creek, we launched my 18 foot war eagle and proceeded to search for the vessel/occupants.  Approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the boat ramp.  We located a 18 foot sea pro center console beached on the fairfield county side of the lake.  Most of the boat was above the water, but the stern and most of the motor were under.  

Subject1 stated that he saw the subjects in the boat as it looked to be sinking.  He stated that they paddled to shore and the back end finally went down.  He stated that the subjects were safe and he then called to report it to dnr.  I then made contact with the owner/operator of the boat.  He stated that the bilge pump must not have been working and when he went in reverse, he took some water on.  He stated that he was unable to crank the motor and the boat began to sink.  He stated that they paddled to shore and the boat rested on the bottom.  After a safety equipment check of the boat a warning was issued for no type 4 throwable.  All other equipment was on board.  Wateree marina responded to pump the water from the boat and got it floating again.  A friend of operator’s arrived and towed his boat back to dutchmen’s creek marina.

Lake Wateree