RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 Stated: "I was stuck in the mud. I got unstuck around eleven PM. People were helping me out but I don't know who they were. The tide was coming in. My motor was at full throttle, but I lost power, and the current sucked me into the bridge, backwards. I left under my own power and met up with the Coast Guard. Then I tied up the boat at the marina and got some rest."
  
  Investigation Revealed: Vessel #1 was freed from shallow water grounding, without reportable incident. Then, Vessel #1 was approaching the Route 71 Bridge in a strong inbound current. Operator #1 attempted to turn around and steer into the current and away from the bridge. Operator #1 was successful in this maneuver, but then found that his propulsion malfunctioned and he could not make headway against the strong current.
  
   Vessel #1 was pushed by the current towards the bridge, and the mast of the vessel made contact with the bridge. Operator #1 was knocked from the helm, fell on the deck, and injured his right knee. He then regained control and was able to make way eastbound away from the bridge, against the current.  The United States Coast Guard arrived on scene and began an investigation into the incident. The Coast Guard advised me that Operator #1 appeared sleep deprived, and had suffered a propulsion failure as the cause for the accident. 
  
  The following day, this investigator made contact with bridge tenders who advised that there was no damage to the bridge. The bridge tender was unable to provide information to assist this investigation, and there were no witnesses located. Investigation was determined by Operator #1 statements, the United States Coast Guard statements, inspection of the vessel, and nature of the injury declared by the operator.  
  
  This case is closed.
  