FISHING VESSEL TOOK ON WATER AND CAPSIZED
The vessel is a white 18' Dusky center console fishing vessel with a single Yamaha outboard motor of 115 horsepower. 
Both advised the vessel took on water while they were drifting and fishing and when they noticed water bubbling up through the deck plates, the vessel quickly became unstable and rolled onto it starboard side. Both men put on their life jackets and OP1 called 911 via his cell phone. Neither of the men sustained any injuries. I recovered any loose fishing equipment and returned it to OP1. Once they had the loose equipment, the Sheriff's office transported both men to shore. OP1 was advised to ensure his vessel was removed from the water as soon as possible or it would be deemed derelict.
While inspecting the vessel, I found four holes approximately 1/2 inch in diameter on the port transom. The holes appeared to be from an unknown accessory that had been removed. The holes penetrated through the transom into the space between the hull and deck cap. I believe the two lower holes are the most likely point of water intrusion into the hull beneath the deck cap and that the hull filled with water until it came up through the deck plates prior to capsizing. When asked if the bilge pump had been working, OP1 was unaware.

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
FORT PIERCE                   