RedactedNarrative: Operator # 1 stated in effect:
  
  She came around a bend in the creek, and saw a boat towing a tube.  The boat was to her left, but the tube was extending out across the centerline of the creek.  Hoping to avoid being "clothes-lined" by the tow rope, she steered her personal water craft(PWC) hard to the left, thinking she could get to the starboard side of Vessel #2, but then stopped, and then drove slowly into the port side of Vessel #2.  She further stated that Vessel #2 was not flying an orange flag, and that, "I guess I panicked a little."
  
  Operator #2 stated in effect:
  
  He came around a bend in the creek while towing his son and his son's friend in a tube.  He observed two PWCs on the other side of the creek, one of which drove into his port side.  Operator #2 stated that if all parties continued along their original routes, they would have passed port to port.  He further stated that he had no reason to believe the tube he was towing would have interfered with the progress of Vessel #1, and that he was flying an orange flag at the time of the accident.  He showed me the flag, and stated he had taken it down after the accident, while preparing to tie up with Tow Boat U.S.
  
  Witness #1 stated in effect:
  
  He is Operator #1's husband.  He was operating a PWC to her rear and starboard.  He observed her drive into the port side of Vessel #2.  He also stated that Vessel #2 was not flying an orange flag. He agreed that Vessel #2 was on the proper side of the creek, that is to say, if all parties continued along their existing routes, they would have passed port to port.  He was unable to say whether the tube of the tow line would have interfered with Vessel #1's progress.  
  
  Investigation revealed:
  
  Vessel #1 and Witness #1 were traveling South in Gravens Thorofare, Boro of Avalon, Cape May County.  They rounded a curve to the left, and observed Vessel #2 approaching them, towing a tube.  All three vessel's were keeping to their respective rights.  Vessel #1 turned hard left, striking Vessel #2 nearly perpendicularly in the port side, halfway between bow and stern.  This impact caused minor damage to Vessel #1's bow, and moderate damage to Vessel #2's port side hull, above the waterline.  
  
  The operator of Vessel #1 was issued summons for N.J.S.A. 12:7-76, Careless Operation.
  