RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 Stated:  "At approximately 7pm, while traveling northbound having passed the Curtis Point entrance channel and near marker #17 ,( N 40.01.574 / W 74.03.847) a sudden strike temporarily stopped the vessel.  Almost immediately the vessel was again underway with a noticeable vibration in the starboard engine. After ensuring that everyone was safe and uninjured, we continued at idle speed northerly. Two people checked the engine room for damage or any sign of water leaks. Upon determining that there was no visible damage or safety issue we continued to the Metedeconk River to have dinner and returned to port at 10pm."
  
  "On Monday August 14, 2017, the first available date, the vessel was hauled at Johnson Brothers Marina in Point Pleasant where it was determined that the starboard propeller was severely damaged and the starboard drive shaft was bent significantly. There was also some damage to the area connecting the starboard strut to the hull. Given the extent of the damage it is apparent that the object struck was of significant mass. Immediately upon determining the significance of the damage a call was made to BoatUS claims to report the incident. The incident was also reported to the NJ State Police with Sgt taking both the initial report and a full report on 9/14/17."
  
  Investigation Revealed: Vessel #1 was traveling north at slow speed at which time it's starboard side propeller struck a submerged object in the area of Intracoastal Waterway marker #17, in the vicinity of Curtis Point, Brick Township, in the Barnegat Bay. The incident occurred on August 9th, 2017, was reported to the State Police on August 10th, 2017, and damage was verified upon pulling the vessel from the water on August 14, 2017. Expert marine mechanic inspection (Johnson Brothers Marina, Point Pleasant, NJ) revealed that the starboard propeller was severely damaged and the starboard drive shaft was bent significantly. There was also some damage to the area connecting the starboard strut to the hull. This Investigator was present during the professional inspection of Vessel #1.
  
  Regarding the submerged object, notifications and checks of the area for hazards to navigation were made via communications with the United States Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the New Jersey State Police. As of the date of this report, no hazardous submerged objects have been identified and no additional reports of vessel accidents in the Intracoastal Waterway in this area have been reported recently. 
  
  This Boating Accident Investigation was determined by the marine mechanic expert physical inspection of Vessel #1 once it was pulled from the water, this Investigator's observation of the starboard propeller damage, and Operator #1 emailed statements provided to the Investigating Sergeant for the purposes of this report.
  
  This investigation is considered closed.
  