INITIAL CALL:
On September 9, 2023 at approximately 7:25pm, I was notified by Lake Mead Interagency Communication Center (LMICC) of a third party report of a vessel taking on water between Sentinel Island and Boulder Island on Lake Mead (GPS coordinates 36.049170, -114.75255).  The reporting party further stated that he was observing a PWC attempting to tow the sinking vessel back to Hemenway Launch Ramp.  The vessel occupants were given instructions to don PFDs and get the vessel to the nearest shoreline.
ACTION TAKEN:
At 8:26pm, I contacted the two vessel occupants at the Hemenway Launch Ramp.  The vessel operator identified as Operator (by his DL) stated they had been on the water recreating with friends since the previous day (9/8/23).  At around 2pm on the day of the accident, Operator noticed a vibration in the steering wheel while operating the vessel at cruising speeds.  Operator, a self-described vessel mobile mechanic, stated that he immediately suspected a failure of the gimble bearing.  They decided to start boating back to Hemenway Launch Ramp.  While in route at cruising speed, the vessel began taking on water from the area of the transom.  They stopped the vessel in open waters between Boulder Island and Sentinel Island approximately 20 feet from the shoreline on the north side of Boulder Island. 
The vessel owner identified as Owner (by his DL) confirmed Operator's account of events.  Both Owner and Operator were wearing PFDs at the time the vessel capsized.

VESSEL RECOVERY:
On the morning of September 10, 2023 the vessel was recovered by Las Vegas Scuba.  The vessel was trailered and transported to a dry storage lot in Boulder City, NV for inspection.
I spoke with Owner, via telephone, who provided vessel insurance and registration documentation, as well as photographs of the recovered vessel.

DISPOSITION:
As determined by on scene statements and photographs provided upon recovery of the vessel, the initial cause of accident was the vessel taking on water due to a crack in the transom seal, likely caused from the mechanical failure associated with the vessel throttle system.  The estimated damage to the vessel is in excess of $2000.  There was no indication of alcohol impairment in both vessel occupants.  NPS has no charges pending at this time.

-END REPORT-
Lake Mead
Boulder City                  