Operator # 1 stated , in effect :  The travel lift put me in the water, I began to navigate the boat in the creek and the tide was going out.  I meant to put the throttle in reverse to back into my slip and accidentally put it in forward and struck the other boat.

Witness # 1 stated, in, effect : I work for Morgan Marina and was helping the owner dock the boat.  I was on the portside helping with the lines and noticed the boat go forward abruptly and we hit a boat that was docked.

Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was underway and heading east on Morgan Creek. Vessel #2 was docked at slip C2 and was unoccupied.  Operator #1 attempted to dock his vessel into his slip, he accidently pushed the portside throttle forward causing vessel #1 to go forward and strike vessel #2.  Vessel #1's starboard bow and anchor struck vessel #2 starboard bow rail and cabin causing significant damage.  Operator #1 was a fault due to operator error and admitted it was his fault.

Sayreville                    