Investigator was advised of a distress call at the Brielle Rail Road  Bridge.  At the railroad bridge a 26 foot World Craft cabin vessel was observed being towed clear of the bridge. The vessel had been pinned there by an out going tidal current.  It should be noted that the bridge is low to the water, has a narrow opening and all vessels are required to wait for opening when there are no trains scheduled.
 
While Vessel #1 was awaiting an opening, the operator was maintaining his position using the throttles.  Vessel #1 sustained a throttle malfunction. Due to the strong out going current and the throttle malfunction, vessel #1 rifted northeast and struck the cement abutment just north of the Brielle Railroad Bridge on the west side. The vessel remained pinned against the abutment until  the USCG was able to tow vessel #1 to a safe location.
Brielle                       