On the morning of 10/20/2012 investigator spoke with operator #1.  He stated that he purchased the vessel on 10/19/2012 in Maryland and was enroute to long Island. Operator # 1 stated in effect that he had just entered the mouth of the Cape May Canal inlet seeking calmer waters at some time after 8:00 PM the previous evening. Operator #1 stated that he was the only person on board.  He stated he put the vessel in neutral and was attempting to radio any marina in the area to seek safe refuge. While using his radio, he stated that he neglected to realize his vessel had drifted out of calmer waters and around the tip of the south jetty.  He stated that his vessel was now being pushed towards shore and into the South Jetty by the wind and current.  He stated that he attempted to put the engines in forward to avoid the collision, but it was too late. Operator stated that he heard the bottom of the vessel scrapping on the submerged rocks of the south jetty.  He stated the vessel became "hung up” on the submerged rocks and was kept there but the strong winds and persistent current.  He stated the vessel began to list toward starboard and waves began coming over the starboard stern section of the vessel into the cockpit area. The operator then donned his life jacket and radioed for help.  He was taken off the vessel by Sea Tow personnel who arrived at 10:55 PM.
 
Investigation revealed:  Arrived on scene at approximately 9 AM on 1/20/12.  Operator stated that all documents for the vessel were on board.  These documents were inaccessible at this time and most likely ruined.  I observed the vessel half sunken 7 feet west of the shoreline and 10 feet south of the jetty.  The vessel was upright and slightly bobbing. The water was over the gunnels and about level with the top of the bow.  I did not observe any signs of pollution such as or oil. There was some debris scattered about the jetty which Operator confirmed was from his vessel. All the Izing glass windows were completely blown out and tattered. At this time I could visibly determine if there was and damage to the hull f the vessel. However I was informed by Sea Tow personnel that the propeller was found approximately about 70 feet west of where is currently located. This leads me to believe the vessel ran aground closer to the tip of the south jetty here the propeller became lodged n the submerged rocks.  The propeller and shaft were then torn from the vessel as consequence of the vessel being driven by the wind and current.  Subsequently this would have left hole in the hull allowing water to fill it.
 
On 10/21/2012 the vessel was relocated b ea Tow and towed to Canyon Club Marina where it was stored in dry dock.  Once in dry dock I was able to view the damage to the hull. I observed several dents and gouges in the port side of the hull consistent with having struck submerged rock starting in the bow section and moving towards the stern. I also observed a hole in the  port side measuring approximately seven inches. An additional hole on the starboard side closer to the center Keel. The hull material in both locations was pushed inward consistent with striking a submerged object and creating a puncture. The combination of multiple punctures in the hull allowed water to enter into the hull thus causing the sinking. Information in this report is provided by the operator’s statement and damaged observed.

Lower Twp                     