Owner/operator of the 42' hatter done recreational fishing vessel, operator was exiting the pamlico sound through the oregon inlet on saturday, january 22, 2011, when his vessel struck the herbert c bonner bridge.  Operator explained he was attempting to exit the pamlico sound into the atlantic ocean to spend the day striped bass fishing with three additional passengers.  As operator approached the bridge, he noticed the dredging barge was located in the number one exit between bridge pilons and steered his vessel toward the number two exit between bridge pilons.  Once operator had committed to enter the pilons the dredging barge moved the location of the boom arm to block the number two exit.  Operator at this time pulled both throttle levers back to idle and attempted to maneuver the vessel toward the entrance of the number 3 exit pilons.  Due to the lack of throttle from the engines at this time and the current of the inlet, operator' starboard side of the vessel struck the bridge pilon causing fiberglass damage to the rub rail area of the gunwale and the starboard freeboard of the vessel.  Operator and his passengers visually inspected the damage to the vessel and determined it was not significant enough to return to dock, so they proceeded with their fishing trip for the day.  According to operator, there was no use of alcohol or other drugs involved in the accident.

I first found out about the accident from lt. of the uscg on 3/30/2011.  Lt had learned of operator accident while investigating another accident on a commercial vessel at spencers boat works in wanchese, nc.  I then contacted operator on 3/31/2011 in regards to the accident and have continued to contact him several times throughout april and may about returning to dare county to follow up with this investigation.

NAGS HEAD                     