RedactedNarrative: On July 29th at approximately 1745hrs a vessel (Fed Doc xxxxxxx) operated by OP (W/M) was traveling from Cape May New Jersey to his home port of Still Pond Maryland with his wife V1 (W/F).  The vessel was utilizing its 15 horse power outboard tiller motor traveling at approximately 7.5 knots.  OP was standing in the rear of the vessel operating the tiller motor while V1 was sitting in the galley providing navigational aid to OP via an IPad.  The vessel was traveling from the Delaware Bay to the Delaware River in the shipping channel, OP then saw a dark cloud to the North.  At this time OP turned the vessel to the SE to avoid the potential storm leaving the shipping channel.   The last depth reading that OP observed was 23 foot of water.  OP then stated he did not observe any obstructions in the water but the vessel struck an object causing the vessel to stop abruptly.  The impact caused OP to fall down into the galley of the vessel landing on V1 causing them to both fall to the ground.  OP noticed a small amount of water coming in the back of the vessel but was able to navigate back to the shipping channel and continued heading North.  As they approached the entrance of the C and D canal OP became concerned with the amount of water entering the boat.  OP began to experience more pain as a result of the accident.  At this time OP called mayday over his VHF radio, emergency services responded to the scene.  Delaware City Fire Company transported OP and V1 back to the shore in Delaware City ambulance and transported to Delaware Medical Center in Middletown Delaware for their abrasions and bruises.  OP and V1 were seen by a Dr.#1 and subsequently released without further treatment.  
  The vessel was towed to Delaware City Marina by Boat Us, where it was pulled from the water to evaluate the damages.   The dagger board of the vessel was cracked in half and missing a large portion from the bottom.  The dagger board was no longer able to be moved up and down freely within the hull of the vessel.  The original damage estimate given by the Delaware City marina staff is approximately $20,000.00 USD.  OP stated that the vessel is being transported to Hartge Yacht Marina which is located at 4883 Church Lane Galesvills, MD 20765 for repairs.  We determined that there was no operator at fault for this accident.  There were no violations detected.  The operator was not issued any summons.