RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated in effect: " I was operating a Carolina Skiff in Barnegat Bay with friends.  One of my passengers lost his balance and began to fall overboard.  Another passenger, in an attempt to help, reached out and held on to the falling passenger. The weight shift allowed water to enter the  boat and it became swamped." 
  
  Witnesses #1, #2, and #3 concurred with operator #1's statement. 
  
  Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was operating in the Barnegat Bay approximately 300 yards off of "J" Street in Seaside Park.  Witness #1 was seated on the rear, port side of the vessel and began to fall towards the water.  Witness #2 was seated on the rear , starboard side of the vessel and reached out towards the falling passenger.  This sudden shift of weight on the small boat with limited freeboard resulted in the vessel swamping and overturning. All the occupants escaped without injury. 
  
  A near by vessel observed the men in the water and arrived on scene to assist.  The occupants were helped into that vessel, which then towed vessel #1 to shore. Vessel #1 was bailed out and secured . 
  
  Further investigation confirmed the vessel is approved to carry u to four occupants and has a maximum capacity of 785 Lbs.  The vessel was operating at or near the weight limit, but does not appear to have been overloaded.