RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated in effect:
  
  I was in transit from Longport, NJ to Two Mile Landing. I began to notice that the vessel was not as responsive to steering inputs. One of the passengers reported to me that there was water in the lower cabin, and the vessel began to list to its starboard side. At this time, I had everyone don life jackets, and I hailed the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 to request assistance. I made the decision to bring the vessel into Hereford Inlet and attempt to beach it.
  
  Investigation revealed:
  
  Vessel #1 was in transit approximately one half mile off of Stone Harbor in the Atlantic Ocean with 6 occupants on board. Operator #1 observed that the vessel was slowly becoming less responsive to his steering inputs and was then alerted to the fact that water was discovered in the lower cabin by a passenger. Operator #1 notified the Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16 that Vessel #1 was taking on water and had all passengers don life jackets. Vessel #1 began to list to its starboard side, and Operator #1 made the decision to attempt to enter Hereford Inlet and beach the vessel to prevent it from sinking. The vessel was ultimately beached at the West side of the Inlet behind Seaboard Circle, where all occupants were able to safely evacuate to land without incident. North Wildwood Fire Department, North Wildwood EMS, and North Wildwood Police Department all responded and assisted at the scene. United States Coast Guard Station Cape May deployed two vessels, but was unable to navigate Hereford Inlet to render assistance.
  
  Sea Tow and Towboat US arrived on scene to begin de-watering and salvage operations. Vessel #1 was removed to Schooner Island Marina without incident. Vessel #1 sustained significant flooding damage to its lower living and engine spaces. It should be noted that no injuries were reported or observed as a result of this accident.
  
  The cause of this accident is flooding due to a crack in the vessel's wood hull.
  
  Information for this report was provided by the operator's statement and damage observed to the vessel and/or other property.
  