Investigation reveals that vessel #1, a 35ft. Silverton cabin motor boat NJ 6161 HA was anchored in the Tice’s Shoal, Berkeley Township on the Barnegat Bay and was not underway.  Vessel #2, a 28 ft. Bayliner NY 1899 UW was also in Tice’s Shoal, Berkeley Township on the Barnegat Bay but was underway.  Witness #1 and #2 were located on an independent third party vessel “Luna Sea II” (official #123367) and were anchored in Tice’s Shoal.  Witness #1 and #2 both report that the operator left the helm of his vessel while it was underway causing same to entangle the anchor line of vessel #1.  Operator2 then entered the water and was able to free the anchor line when the owner of vessel #1. Vessel #1's windlass and increased the scope of the anchor line.  Once freed from the anchor line vessel #2 began to drift and struck bow first into the bow of vessel #1.  It continued to drift starboard side to starboard side down towards the stern of vessel #1.  Attempts were made by the crews of both vessels to fend off utilizing fenders and physical force, however, the two vessel struck due to wind and wave action.  

Victim #2 received an abrasion to his left forearm and a contusion to his left thumb as he tried to keep both vessels from scraping together.  His injuries did not cause him to seek medical attention.  When vessel #2's bow was aligned at the stern of vessel #1, crew member started vessel #2 in an attempt to back it away from vessel #1.  Vessel #2 went forward and collided into the swim platform and transom of vessel #1.  Victim #1 reported she was on the swim platform of vessel #1 and was struck by vessel #2.  She fell back through the door in the transom of vessel #1 onto the aft deck.  Island Beach State Park EMS were called to the scene and treated victim #1 for a large contusion on her left upper leg.  Owner of vessel #2 was retieved from the water with the assistance of his crew member and Tow Boat US. 

Owner of vessel #2 Operator2 was informed by Capt. that he should remain on scene until the arrival of the U.S. Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police who had been contacted.  Once back on board vessel #2 Operator2 departed prior to the arrival of any authority.  Occupants of vessel #1 reported that no identifying information was ever provided.  Operator2 stated he was experiencing chest pain after spending an extended time in the water.  He informed that he departed the scene because he needed to take heart medication (nitroglycerin 0.4 mg.).  A check of NJSP Hamilton ODU and Point Pleasant Station found no telephone calls from Operator2 logged on the date of this accident.  Summons SPA092601 was issued to Operator2 for violation of N.J.S.A. 12:7-76 careless operation of a vessel.  Operator2 was also issued summon SPA092602 for a violation of N.J.S.A. 12:7-34.46, failure to render assistance and exchange identifying information at the scene of a vessel accident.
Berkeley                      