RedactedNarrative: August 18, 2016 (Thursday)
         On this date, I was detailed to the area of the BB Buoy in the Barnegat Bay, Lacey Township, in reference to a vessel accident.  I received a call at the Ocean Station from the Operator reporting he had struck the BB Buoy in the Barnegat Bay.  He advised there were no injuries however there was damage to the bow of his vessel.  Upon arrival at the scene Vessel 1 was located approximately 2.5 NM North of the BB Buoy near Buoy 40.
  
         Operator 1 Stated in Effect: I was traveling South in the Barnegat Bay at approximately 4 knots.  I had the Auto Pilot Set and was reading in the stern near the Helm.  I didn't see the buoy and struck it head on.
  
         Investigation Revealed: Vessel 1 was traveling Southbound at a slow speed in the Barnegat Bay near the BB Buoy.  Operator 1 failed to notice the Buoy in front of Vessel 1 and impacted same.  The bow of Vessel 1 impacted a lower cross member of the buoy causing moderate fiberglass damage to the bow, anchor locker, and underlying structure.  Vessel 1 sustained a breach in the hull approximately two feet above the water line caused by the cross member.  There were no injuries reported.  No damage to the Buoy was observed.   
  