SYNOPSIS
On August 6, 2023, a MALIBU RESPONSE was being towed by a SUMERSET Houseboat in the main channel of the Lake Powell near buoy #15. The MALIBU RESPONSE began to take on water and became completely submerged. Owners of the vessel were able to salvage the vessel by flipping it back over and bailing the water out.  

NARRATIVE
On August 6, 2023, I was patrolling Warm Creek Bay when a call came in for a vessel taking on water near buoy 15 on Lake Powell. At the time Glenn Canyon Dispatch advise me that no one was in the water and that the individuals were attempting recovery. 

I traveled to buoy 15 from Warm Creek Bay and arrive to see multiple individuals rendering aid to the vessel. I made contact with the group to determine what happen. 

I made contact with a male individual, later identified, the owner of VESSEL #2, a 2007 MALIBU RESPONSE. He explained that VESSEL #2 was being towed by a houseboat in the main channel when it began to take on water. He said that no one was aboard the MALIBU RESPONSE at the time of the incident. 

During this time multiple individuals on other water craft associated with VESSEL #2 made several attempts to flip VESSEL #2 over in order to begin getting water out of the vessel. 

While this was going on I made contact with the houseboat a 1997 SUMERSET, Vessel #1. I identified a male operator, and asked him what took place. Operator explained that he was heading north on the main channel towing VESSEL #2 when he was told VESSEL #2 had sunk. I asked Operator to fill out a witness statement. His statement is attached to this report 

I then returned to the group with the sunken vessel to check on the progress. After several attempts they were able to flip VESSEL #2 over and brought it shore. Once on shore the individuals began bailing out VESSEL 2 with buckets. At the time the bilge pump was working as I can see water was being pumped out. 

The individuals were able to float VESSEL #2 on their own and towed it back to the VESSEL #1. I collected the witness statement from the Operator. A business card was left. Due to the fact that insurance paperwork was on the boat during the time of the incident, I was unable to collect a copy will send me a copy of the insurance when they return from their trip. 

CONCLUSION 
In conclusion VESSEL #1 was towing VESSEL #2 in a portion of the main channel known to produce large waves due to heavy vessel traffic and how narrow the location is. VESSEL #1 traveling at high speeds during large wave activity along with a short tow line are factors in this incident. As noted VESSEL #1 is rental and typically operators have little experience, in compare to recreational vessels. 

-	End of Report
Lake Powell
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