RedactedNarrative: 7/7/2017 
  
         On this date, I was detailed to investigate a single vessel crash in the area of the ICW just north of the railroad bridge, Middle Township Cape May County.  A call came in from the initial witness who stated a vessel struck ICW marker 449.  Subject attempted to get help by contact Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay on VHF 16. Subject advised they attempted to assist the unknown victim who immediately left the area.  Same added that a second vessel pulled up and activated its lights and spot light.  Subject assumed this was the police and departed the area.  Further investigation revealed that this was the second witness later identified as Tow Boat US Captain. Subject2 stated that he heard the distress call come out over VHF channel 16 and responded to the area to assist. Subject2 stated that he activated his lights momentarily to determine the extent of the vessels damage.  Subject2 added that the operator did not want to speak to him and attempted to flee north in the ICW.  Fearing the vessel may sink due to the extensive hull damage, Subject2 attempted to follow.  Subject2 advised that he witnessed the vessel go under the Grassy Sound Bridge toward Grassy Sound Marina.   An unknown reporting party stated that a damaged vessel just pulled into Grassy Sound Marina and the operator sustained a head laceration.  Subject2 described the operator as a white male seated behind the helm who was slouched over in an unnatural position. 
  
      Upon arrival, I was met by several Middle Township Police Officers, EMTs, and Paramedics.  I observed a white 22 foot Mako cabin vessel parked bow in bearing New Jersey Registration.  The vessel had intrusive fiber glass damage which forced the rub rail, deck, and hull to separate.  The damage was above the water line and to the left of the keel.  The operator was seated behind the helm.  Operator was being treated by Middle Township EMTs but stated he was operating the vessel when it struck an unknown object.  Operator stated no one else was on the vessel at the time of the collision and he was the one who docked it.  It should be noted that the vessel appeared to be tied to the floating dock with one loosely placed midship line.  It should be further noted that years prior Operator suffered a spinal injury and is a paraplegic with no use of his legs.
  
  Operator stated he had pain in one arm and was bleeding from his head which was wrapped at this time.  I was able to see numerous empty beer cans on the deck of the vessel and I could smell the odor of alcohol coming from the breath of Operator. Operator's wheel chair was located on the vessel however one of the real wheels appeared to be broken off and bent.  Operator was loaded into an ambulance and transported to Cape Regional Medical Center to be treated.  It should be noted I followed the ambulance to the Hospital.  Due to the darkness outside and the bright illumination in the ambulance I was able to observe Operator the entire trip.  
  
  
  At Cape Regional Medical Center myself, Tpr., and medical staff maintained contact with Operator.  At this point I was able to question Operator about the earlier collision.  Operator again stated, he hit something but was unsure what.  I then asked could it have been another vessel and he replied no I believe I hit the channel marker. During the conversation I could again smell the odor of an alcohol coming from his breath.  Operators answers were slow slurred and delayed.  I often had to repeat my question prior to getting a response.   Operator advised that he was coming from The Ship and Shore Bar located in Ottens Harbor, Wildwood.  It should be noted that although Operator admitted to consuming alcohol at "The Ship" he would not say how much he had to drink prior to operating his vessel.