According to statements made by the operator, they were headed south on the icw and as he came out of the mouth of the north river, he became disoriented.  Strong northwest wind pushed him off course in a southeast direction and into the croatan sound out of his intended direction down the alligator river.  Subject observed the william b umstead bridge on the croatan sound and thought he was looking at the alligator river bridge.  Coming up on the bridge, the subject thought he had enough clearance to go under the bridge.  At this time the top of the mast hit the bridge as he tried to go through the navigational section of the bridge.  The impact made the forward mast cable snap and caused the mast to fall down on the port side of the vessel.  As the mast was falling the operator was struck on the shoulder.  The united states coast guard responded as well at tow boat us.  The vessel was towed to wanchese where it was dry docked.  The operator then took a cab to the outer banks hospital where he was treated for shoulder pain.  The vessel was properly equipped with pfds.  According to the operator and passenger, the pfds were not being used during the accident.  The use of alcohol and/or drugs was not believed to be a contributing factor in the accident.  The northwest winds pushing the vessel off course caused the operator to navigate under the wrong bridge.  No charges were filed in this accident.
MANNS HARBOR                  