RedactedNarrative: On 02/09/2018 at 1015, Operator1 was operating his 2014 sundance on the icw near holden beach when the vessel struck a navigation marker causing injuries and property damage. 
  
  Operator1 was headed west on the icw heading toward sunset beach, nc.  He was cruising on the left side of the channel trying to stay in deeper water.  At the time it was low tide.  Operator1 stated he got distracted for a few seconds while he was talking to his passenger.  Occupant stood in front of Operator1 on his port side blocking his view.  
  
  At the last second Operator1 saw the navigational marker 71 and attempted to steer the vessel to the starboard side to avoid the collision.  He was unable to avoid the collision and struck the marker with the port bow side of his vessel.  The impact caused both occupants to be ejected from the port side of the vessel into the water.  
  
  The vessel still in the forward position continued its path unmanned in a starboard side turn for approximately two full circles before striking two different sets of docks on the mainland side and coming to rest.  
  
  The operator and passenger were uninjured from the ejection and impact with the water but did sustain hypothermia from treading water for 20-30 minutes.  After 20-30 minutes in the water subject was operating his boat and saw the two men in the water and rendered aid and assisted the men to the mainland side.  Emergency services responded to the call, treated and transported the men to new hanover regional medical for further treatment.  The two men were treated and released for hypothermia.
  
  Damages to the vessel were to the port bow side and underneath the vessel.  Damages to the two separate docks were broken pylons and to the platform.  Navigational marker 71 was broken and recovered by the uscg.
  
  The vessel was equipped with all the required safety equipment.  Neither men were wearing personal floatation devices.  Neither alcohol nor drugs were detected.  Operator inattention and improper lookout are believed to be the contributing factors.
  
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