RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated to the effect: Operator1 stated that him and Victim left the Somers Point Marina at approximately 8:30am to go fishing at the Ocean City Reef which is located 4.5 miles off the shore of Ocean City. He stated that they fished briefly, caught one (1) fish before they realized that a storm was coming in their direction. Operator1 stated that during their travel back to his marina, that he was able to stay in front of the storm and were not impacted by same. He stated that as they approached the inlet, the water was relatively calm as he operated the boat. Operator1 stated that Victim stood directly to his right. He stated that he observed a large wave in his right peripheral vision come over the gunnel, hitting him and Victim. He stated that after striking a large wave they were ejected out of the boat and forced into the water. 
  
  Operator1 stated that after he entered the water, he became entangled within his T-Shirt. He struggled to get the T-Shirt off while attempting to surface. Upon getting to the surface, he was located near Victim, who was above water and speaking with Operator1. Operator1 stated that they made a plan to swim/tread water to a buoy nearby. He stated that Victim began to struggle in the water after three (3) to four (4) minutes. Operator1 stated that the two (2) began drifting apart as he kept calling out for him. Operator1 stated he lost sight and sound from Victim about ten (10) minutes from entering the water. Operator1 stated that be tread water for what he thought was four (4) hours before the Coast Guard helicopter arrived over his location and was ultimately saved.
  
  Investigation at the scene revealed: Vessel #1 was attempting to enter the Great Egg Inlet from the Atlantic Ocean in the area of Ocean City, Cape May County. While in the Atlantic Ocean, Vessel #1 struck a large wave causing both the operator and passenger to be ejected. Vessel #1 continue unmanned in a straight line, due to the fact that Operator1 was not wearing a safety lanyard, coming to final rest on the Ocean City Beach in the area of Sea cliff Road. 
  
  Operator1 was recused by the United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and relayed by Ocean City Beach Patrol to NJSP Vessel. 
  
  It be noted that when Vessel #1 was discovered the motor was trimmed completely down and the throttle in the full position with the motor on. No damage was observed to Vessel #1 on scene and it was removed from the beach by Tow Boat US without incident. However, Operator1 reported fiberglass damage to the keel, port and starboard sides of Vessel #1. Furthermore, Operator1 stated that there is motor damage from sand in the intake. For further information see IR V540-2020-00024.
  