On october 30, 2013, at approximately 9:45am, operator and his wife departed harkers island from a marina situated off  bayview drive.  The boat they were occupying was a 1987 homemade 26 ft 6 in harkers island style boat.  They were intending on taking advantage of the calm, clear morning while occupant took pictures.  After leaving the marina, operator, who was operating the boat, began to head north west through westmouth bay with the intentions on entering the navigable channel that runs east/west situated between harkers island and the town of straits.  Once in the channel, operator intended to continue west, passing under the harkers island road bridge and then heading towards the town of beaufort.  While underway, occupant was standing in the bow portion of the boat slightly right of center, facing towards the bow.  

Occupant stated that she had chosen to stand in this location to optimize the photographic opportunity.  At approximately 10:00am, just prior to the boat entering the previously mention channel, the boat struck a shoal running east/west at a speed of approximately ten mph causing the boat to come to an immediate and complete stop. occupant, who was still standing in the bow portion of the boat, then continued her momentum in a forward and downward motion causing her chest to strike the top edge of the bow's platform.  Operator commented that he knew the shoal was there, but thought the water level was high enough to clear the draft of the boat.  Occupant was transported to the emergency room at moorehead memorial hospital by ems.  Occupant suffered severe deep bruising to her sternum.  Note that no medical operation was performed as a result of occupant's injuries.
HARKERS ISLAND