Operator stated:  I was familiar with the inlet to Atlantic City but missed it coming up through the fog, so we were going to come in to this inlet to get out of the fog.  As we coming, I could see the north tip of the land and the channel markers beyond the breakers and the fog line.  The fog had lifted upon approach into the inlet, but as I got towards the markers, the fog set in again.  I ended up coming north of the markers because that's where I thought they were going to be after I got through the breakers, I guess not.  So we hit head on right into the beach and the starboard side hit the shoaling.  I know there was immediate damage to the bow and also the transom from the breakers crashing on the beach.  I eventually got through to the Coast Guard on cell phone and told them what happened.  A Sea Tow vessel came out to help us and took us to the marina in Holgate.  My wife was looked at by the First Aid.  We then got a ride to the Seahorse Motel.

Passenger stated:  Due to the fact that wife was hearing impaired, operator conversed with same for a brief time, at which he advised she stated to the effect that she was on the portside of the vessel with her life vest on when they ran aground.  They were taken to Holgate Marina by Sea Tow, and the Beach Haven First Aid Squad evaluated her for injuries.  wife stated she was not injured, but very shook up, and refused transport to the hospital for further evaluation.

Investigation at the scene revealed:  The undersigned first met with the above listed operator of the vessel in question at the Seahorse Motel Long Beach Twp.  Upon arrival, the undersigned spoke with the operator and retrieved the statement listed above.  The undersigned was then contacted back at Point Pleasant station by federal Fish and Wildlife Agent.  The undersigned was advised he had spoken to, and finally met with the owner to allow same to access the federally protected beachfront in order to retrieve personal effects and remove all hazmat materials.  These materials would include the Honda outboard motor and fuel, Halon tanks and all fire extinguishing materials, propane tanks, and epoxy paint materials.  
05/20/2011 - An observation was then conducted via water on Troop Vessel 8258.  The undersigned observed the vessel to sustain major damage to all of it's portions.  There was vessel debris observed to be scattered in a northeast direct from the wreck extending to 150' beyond same.  No evidence of any fuel tank or motors were observed to be present, confirming their removal.  There was no debris observed within the inlet or any surrounding portion of the water, and the boat's remaining structure was not determined to be a hazard for any vessel navigating the Beach Haven Inlet.

Long Beach Township           