Vessel #1 operator docked his boat in oriental overnight.  The next day he found and reserved a boat slip just up green creek from where he was docked in oriental.  After determining where he was going to dock his boat, he measured the total height of his vessel.  He didn't have a tape measure long enough to run up the mast, so he used a rope and marked it.  After he marked the rope, he laid the rope on the dock and measured it.  Somewhere an unknown error was made during the calculation of the total height of the vessel.  At this time, he proceeded toward his new boat slip.  As the operator approached the bridge in which he had to maneuver under, he documented the water level marked on the bridge and his calculations allowed his vessel to go under.  As the bow of the vessel entered under the bridge, it appeared the mast was going to fit under as well.  This wasn't the case.  The operator heard a crack as the mast struck the bridge.  At this time, the operator put the vessel into reverse but it was too late as the mast came crashing down landing just to the left of the operator's shoulder.  As the mast came down, it struck the mate standing on the bow of the boat in the lower leg breaking his ankle.  At this point the operator drove the boat back to where he was originally docked and waited there for medical attention.  The mate was eventually airlifted to the hospital.  The operator didn't suffer any injuries.  No alcohol or drugs were noted in the involvement of this accident.  The boat was equipped with proper pfds but it wasn't necessary that they be used.  No charges have been made at this time.
ORIENTAL                      