RedactedNarrative: On the above date, Sgt. and I were detailed to an Attempt To Locate near ICW marker 132 in Great Bay, Little Egg Harbor Twp., Ocean County. While en-route it was learned that two people were ejected into the water, with one of the occupants being severely injured and not responsive. 
  
  
  Once on scene we observed an 18 foot, center console vessel operating in circles, with no one aboard. Two USCG vessels (Barnegat Light and Atlantic City) were already on scene. USCG (Barnegat Light) vessel had on board the unresponsive passenger and were preforming CPR. They were en route to Great Bay Marina where EMS personnel were waiting. It was learned that a good Samaritan was able to assist the operator until rescue personnel arrived.  
  
  
  Operator 1 stated to the effect: We were traveling from Chestnut Neck Marina to the Little Egg Harbor Inlet to fish. I saw a larger boat, so I throttle down. When I throttled down something fell off of the console. I tried to grab the item, and took my hand off of the wheel for a second and immediately the vessel turned hard starboard and ejected both of us. 
  
  
  Passenger did not give a Statement.
  
  
  Witness stated to the effect : Witness stated that he was operating his vessel through the ICW around marker 132, when he noticed another vessel coming up from behind him. Witness stated that when he looked back again to see where the vessel was he noticed that it was going in circles. Witness stated that he knew something happened. Witness stated that he circled back around and noticed that no one was a aboard the vessel so he called 911. While speaking to dispatch he heard someone yelling for help. Witness stated that he was able to grab a hold of the person but was unable to get him into the vessel. Witness stated that the occupant told him that there was another man on board the vessel but he was unable to locate him.  
  
  
  
  Investigation revealed: Vessel 1 was traveling north bound in the ICW near marker 132 Little Egg Harbor Township. Due to a distraction from a falling item off of the center console, Operator 1 let go of the steering wheel. Operator 1 then lost control, causing Vessel 1 to turn hard starboard. As a result both the operator and passenger were ejected into the water. Due to operator 1 not properly wearing his lanyard kill switch, once he was ejected the lanyard did not shut the motor down. 
  
  Vessel 1 remained in forward gear, operating in a clock wise motion. As a result Vessel 1 circled around, causing the motors propeller to strike Passenger's legs. Witness who at the time of the accident was traveling north of Vessel 1 approximately 75 yards, noticed Vessel 1 was operating in circles. Witness then turned around to see what had happened. Once on scene, Witness was able to locate and assist the operator, but not the passenger.  Witness was then able to contact 911 for assistance. 
  
  Two USCG vessels ( Barnegat Light and Atlantic City ) were first to arrive on scene. USCG Barnegat Light was able to locate Passenger and get him on board to render CPR. They transported Passenger to the Great Bay Marina where Great Bay EMS was waiting. USCG vessel 2 (Atlantic City) remained on scene to assist operator out of the water and onto (witness) vessel. 
  
  
  
  While on scene, we noticed that Vessel 1 was still in gear. With the help of Mystic Island Rescue boat, we were able to disable Vessel 1. Vessel 1 was then operated back to Great Bay marina by Mystic Island Fire Squad. It should be noted that the operator of Vessel 1 was taken back to the Great Bay Marina on SP Vessel 2206. Upon arrival at Great Bay Marina it was learned that Passenger had succumbed due his injuries sustained from the incident. Passenger was pronounced on scene at approximately 1015am by MD from Newark Beth Israel Hospital. Passenger was removed from scene by Wood Funeral Home. 
  
  
  Operator sustained no injury from the accident. He was examined by Great Bay EMS. Operator signed off refusing any further medical treatment.  Det. deemed this investigation non criminal, in which vessel 1 could be release to the owner. 
  
  For further reference to this accident Invest please see IR V540-2018-00026