someone posted this letter from Bertram President on the YF, this was a reply sent to those who asked information to Bertram about this incident
"Dear Bertram Employees, Dealers, and Friends,
I am writing to provide some additional information on the unfortunate November 6th sinking of a Bertram 63 off the coast of South Carolina.
As I indicated earlier, I am committed to providing complete and up-to-date information as the investigation progresses and details emerge. During this time, I am devoting my full attention to this matter.
The key points I want to convey about the incident are:
Most importantly, the captain and his friend/passenger were safely taken off the boat without injury.
While tropical storm force currents initially complicated the search, the sunken boat was finally located recently in approximately 80 feet of water a short distance from the rescue point.
The initial data we received --- from the boat’s captain, from eye-witnesses who arrived on the scene to aid in the rescue, and from analysis of the debris in the water --- clearly indicated that the boat hit something in the water.
All new information collected since the event, further supports an apparent collision with something in the water.
There is substantial evidence that the Bill Perry Reef Buoy at the location of the incident was recently struck with significant force.
An examination of the boat by divers at its resting point reveal that the starboard rudder shaft is bent aft and the starboard propeller exhibits a substantial ding consistent with that propeller hitting something in the water.
The extensive damage to the bow portion of the craft is also consistent with an impact of significant force that could have breached the hull and created an unrecoverable scenario.
It is important to note that these are only preliminary findings based on a first dive of the craft. Other details may be uncovered as investigators begin the intensive work of piecing back together the events that led to the sinking of this vessel.
We feel that it is important to keep you up to date on the findings and will continue to update you on the facts surrounding this accident as they come available.
Please feel free share this information with all parties you feel may benefit from the information.
And if you have any questions or comments on this matter, please contact me at +1 305 633 - 8011.
Regards,
Michael W. Myers
President
Bertram Yacht Inc.
(305) 633 - 8011"