RedactedNarrative: On the above date, Troopers from NJSP Marine Services Bureau - Point Pleasant Station were dispatched to a vessel that ran aground on Middle Sedge Island, Barnegat Bay, Toms River Township, Ocean County. Troopers were further advised that eight (8) individuals were on board, three (3) were ejected and in distress. At that point, Ocean Gate, Silverton and Toms River EMS/Fire were advised and responded to the scene.
  
       Local first responders arrived on scene, located and assisted the occupants from the "sedge" and transported same to land. It was determined that due to Subject5's extent of injuries, same would be flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune Township, Monmouth County. Four (4) other occupants were evaluated on scene and transported to Community Medical Center, Toms River Township, Ocean County. During the course of the on scene investigation, Operator had stated he had consumed alcohol prior to the operation of the vessel. 
  
       At this time, the Troop "C" Criminal Investigation Office was contacted and apprised of the investigation. NJSP Fatal Accident and NJSP Crime Scene Investigation were also notified and apprised. Tuckerton Station CIO later responded to Community Medical Center - Toms River Township, Ocean County and furthered this investigation. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the vessel operator, Operator, consumed alcoholic beverages prior to the crash. During the course of a post-Miranda interview, Operator provided Det. an account of what had transpired, in which same further admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages prior to the crash and believed that he was traveling 40 MPH prior to impact. The following statements are as follows:
  
       He stated to the effect that his high school friends came over to his beach house at approximately 12:00 PM on August 14, 2022 in Lavallette Township, Ocean County. Operator stated he had his first drink, which was a "Cape May – The Grove" beer while at his house. Operator stated he left his house with his friends at approximately 3:00 PM to show his friends the area. Operator stated he drove in the areas of the Metedeconk River, the Canal and Manasquan River. Operator stated he arrived at the Patio Bar at approximately 4:00 PM. Operator stated he drank two (2) "Guinness" beers. 
  
  Operator further stated he was driving in the direction to the channel between Chadwick Beach and Middle Sedge Island when he missed the channel by thirty (30) to forty (40) yards then hit the marsh. Operator stated he had done that route a "hundred times." Operator stated he was distracted talking with his friends. 
  
       Investigation revealed, Vessel #1 was traveling in the Barnegat Bay, in the area of Middle Sedge Island, Toms River Township, Ocean County. Operator #1 was distracted and failed to observe Middle Sedge Island. Subsequently, Vessel #1 struck the island causing three (3) passengers to be ejected from the vessel. Due to the speed of the vessel, multiple people sustained injuries and were transported to Community Medical Center and Jersey Shore Medical Center. Vessel #1 displayed damage to the starboard engine.
  
       During the course of the investigation, Ocean County Prosecutors Office was informed of the investigation thus far. In speaking with them, they apprised Ocean County Superior Court Judge of the investigation who in turn authorized a telephonic search warrant to secure samples of Operators blood for toxicological analysis. Same was then subsequently secured and transported to Tuckerton Station where it was secured in the temporary evidence locker. The vessel was impounded to NJSP Point Pleasant Station for further investigation.
  
  This is considered an active investigation pending toxicology report...
  