RedactedNarrative:        On this date, I was detailed to the North Jetty of the Barnegat Inlet, Berkley Twp. in reference to a vessel accident.  Prior to my arrival the Ocean Sub Station received a call over VHF 16 from a vessel operator stating he had impacted the submerged rocks on the Northern Jetty of the Barnegat Inlet.  The operator advised his vessel was still afloat and he was trying to make into the harbor.  Upon my arrival I observed the vessel "Le Grand Fromage," a 36' Grand Banks Trawler, docked at Lighthouse Marina.  Sea Tow and the United States Coast Guard were also on scene.   The vessel was not visibly damaged above the waterline and employees at the marina were preparing to haul the vessel out to inspect the damage.  
  
  Operator 1 Stated in Effect: I recently purchased the boat in New York was traveling back to my home in Maryland.  I was traveling Southbound in the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 8 knots with the Auto Pilot on.  I was not at the helm but was seated on the Port side of the cabin.  All of a sudden I felt the vessel strike something and realized I had run into rocks.  I then brought my vessel to the closest Marina to check for damage.
  
  Investigation Revealed:  Due to the statements made by Operator 1 it was determined Vessel 1 was traveling Southbound in the Atlantic Ocean several hundred yards offshore.  Operator 1 was not at the helm and the vessel was running on Auto Pilot at approximately 8 knots.  Vessel 1 subsequently impacted the submerged rock jetty on the Northern Side Of Barnegat Inlet.  The end of the jetty is marked by the "6" Monument however there is approximately 200 yards of submerged rock that is not visible at high tide as it was during the time of the incident.  Due to the tide Vessel 1 was able to travel over the rocks and continue on to Lighthouse Marina.  Employees from the marina were then able to remove Vessel 1 from the water via a travel lift to inspect the damage.  Vessel 1 sustained moderate to heavy fiberglass damage to the lower part of the bow and keel.  There was moderate de-lamination of fiberglass in the keel and the vessel was taking on some water.  There were no injuries reported during the incident.  Vessel 1 was left on land for further evaluation and future repair.
  