[Pajamajan]

"Boats sinking, plugs removed"

Sabotage?

[TXnMA]

"sabotage?"

Not necessary. Happens all the time to infrequent boaters without a pre-launch checklist routine. See my http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3881322/posts?page=22#22

Besides -- many recreational boaters actually don't know how to use these:

They are adjustable: the diameter can be expanded or reduced by turning the handle and/or the nut on the other end -- to produce a snug fit and seal when the handle is snapped over 90 degrees as shown.

Water pressure can push a too-loose plug out of place and into the boat. You'll never know there's a problem -- until you slow down -- and suddenly find yourself ankle-deep in water -- and the plug missing in action...

I'd list ignorance, forgetfulness, carelessness, "rush-to-launch" and "impairment" as probable causes -- long before I'd suspect "sabotage".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Never attribute to evil that which can readily be explained by stupidity and forces of nature..."

TXnMA    
  

"Hop in and hold muh beer -- while I back 'er in..."

[LittleLinda]

“Boats sinking, plugs removed”
Sabotage?

____________________________________________________________

You’d think if the boats were flooded by waves, the mayday calls would say as much and this wouldn’t be a mystery.

Maybe someone replaced the boat plugs with ones that dissolve after some time on the water. I saw that on a TV crime show a few years back.