Investigation revealed: Victim #1 was last seen departing his residence on vessel #1 at approximately 1830 hrs.  Victim #1 was in operation of vessel #1 within the Barnegat bay for a undetermined amount of time before falling overboard for an unknown reason.  Victim #1 was found at approximately 2008 hrs. by witness #1 to be floating face down approximately 30 ft. west of vessel #1, unconscious and unresponsive.  Vessel #1 was determined to be found adrift at marker 16A in the Draw Thoroughfare, Barnegat Bay.   Witness #1 called 911 upon discovering the body and subsequently secured vessel #1, adrift, to his vessel.  Ship Bottom PD officers were first to respond to the scene, and Ship Bottom Officer, Sgt., had summoned an assisting vessel.  Victim #1 was then pulled out of the water and into the assisting vessel.  Victim #1 remained on the assisting vessel and was transported to the boat ramp with Sgt. on same.  
The deceased male was further observed to be wearing dark swimming trunks, a white T-Shirt, and a Type III life vest.  The victim was further observed to have the PWC’s lanyard still attached to his right wrist.  
Upon arrival at the boat ramp, victim #1 was then removed from the assisting vessel by the undersigned, Tpr., and Ship Bottom Police Officers.  Same was placed on the dock and covered.  Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Haggerty arrived on scene to assist with confirming the incident particulars and witness statements.  A MONOC Medic Unit arrived on scene to tend to the victim.  MONOC Paramedics quickly assessed victim#1 and immediately contacted the Medical Examiner’s Office, obtaining a pronouncement time of death of 2109 hrs.

Autopsy findings: Victim cause of death to be Asphyxia by drowning.
Other findings Alcohol intoxication.

Ship Bottom                   