Vessel 1 is a 41 foot hunter sailboat with an auxiliary diesel engine.  On july 25, 2010, vessel 1 was being operated by auxiliary power to the east on the neuse river.  The operator was not familiar with the bridge channel and attempted to pass through the bridge one span to the left of the marked channel.  The top of the mast struck the bridge bending the mast, tearing the sail and stretching the mast support cables.  The vessel was then taken back to the hilton marina.  There were no injuries and the vessel was taken to jarret bay in beaufort, nc for repairs.
NEW BERN                      