RedactedNarrative: Vessel was traveling inbound Western Branch of the Elizabeth River near the number "4-5" channel markers towards the West Norfolk Bridge.  Operator was attempting to locate the lighted number "5" buoy, which was not lit, by looking at his GPS screen.  When he looked back up, he was too close to the channel marker to maneuver away and struck the piling on his starboard bow, traveling all the way down to the starboard side.  The hull was compromised by a crack approximately five feet long, allowing the vessel to take on water. After realizing this, the captain proceeded approximately 300 yards up river, beaching it along a shoal to prevent sinking.