Operator was operating the vessel with his wife, Passenger who is the registered owner, traveling from Joe Wheeler State Park upriver toward Riverwalk Marina.  They left JWSP at approximately 9 am and were cruising upriver at 8 knots (9 Mph).  At about 4:00pm, they were in the river channel near the area of Cowford Boat Ramp and felt an impact.  The vessel began taking on water.  The port engine remained operational, but the starboard prop was ineffective. They did not see an object in the water, leading them to believe that they contacted a submerged object.  They used a radio to call for assistance and Operator was readying a kayak to use as an escape vessel.  They were both wearing Inflatable PFD''s.  TVA Police were in the area for a powerline crossing project and assisted the boaters. TVA Officer 1 got Passenger and Operator in his vessel and then began trying to push the sinking vessel to shallow water.  The vessel had taken on too much water and they were unable to move it out of the channel.  He then to transported Operator and Passenger to their vehicle in Decatur.  Neither person reported any injuries during this incident.  The vessel sank and the possible location is listed on the diagram above.
Wheeler Lake
Decatur                       