RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated: "On May, 12th 2020 at Approximately 7:03 P.M.  We hit an old channel marker that was partially removed and replaced with a green floating buoy (this happened this year). The old marker was submerged and is a hazard to any boater, it was not removed properly. I know for certain what’s left of the old channel marker is a vertical metal pylon which is extremely dangerous because it is right in the channel. 
  
   I was driving my boat south towards my home.  I was driving the boat in the channel approximately 10-15 feet away from were the new channel marker is at.  I was exactly where I was suppose to be driving according to the new marker.  Once my prop struck the submerged channel marker we called Sea-Tow immediately due to the water coming through the shaft log.  The impact was not abrupt, the boat slowed down as if I just took it out of gear.  No one was injured at all during this event.  We got towed back to a boat ramp in Brigantine and safely put the vessel on the trailer."
  
  Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was traveling southbound in the ICW.  At marker 189 Atlantic City, Atlantic County.  Vehicle #1 struck a submerged channel marker that was damaged the year before.  This was confirmed by Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team.  Chief Petty Officer further advised that his team marked the damaged channel marker with a buoy, to avoid future accidents.  Vessel #1 sustained major damage to the drive shaft, propeller, and rudder.  Due to the damage, Vessel #1 was towed by Sea-Tow to the Brigantine boat ramp were it was removed by the owner. It should be noted that there were no injuries reported or observed. 
  