RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated: The boat I was working on became disabled. I saw the tug and barge coming toward me. I started waving my arms, blowing an air horn, and screaming. At the last minute I jumped off the boat. I kicked down the side of the barge which kept pulling me back. When I freed myself I started drifting south until I was rescued from the water. 
  
  Operator#2 stated: we were Northbound off of Billingsport heading for PBF Philadelphia terminal with myself at the wheel with Captain and subject as lookouts. At approximately 1725 we heard shouting coming from outside the wheelhouse on our starboard side. We opened up the hatch to look outside and immediately spotted someone in the water. 
  
  Subject1 shouted man over board and immediately ran aft to throw a life ring in the water while the Captain sounded the general alarm and took the wheel. After the Captain took the wheel I grabbed a life vest and proceeded to the stern to assist with preparing to retrieve a man overboard and to keep eyes on the victim. Captain got the vessel slowed down and spun around and assisted local law 
  enforcement in locating the man overboard. Local police retrieved the victim and the Coast Guard showed up shortly after, afterwards we proceeded to PBF Philly to deliver our barge. 
  
  *Note the striking vessel was a Commercial Vessel pushing a oil filled barge being operated by a USCG licensed Captain. USCG Small Boat Crew stated they made calls and confirmed this was their investigation. Over one week later I was contacted by the Operator #1 who stated the US Coast Guard would not be conducting an investigation.
  
  Investigation revealed Operator #1 was sea trialing vessel #1 in the area of Ziggy's Paulsboro Ramp in the Delaware River, Gloucester County. Vessel #1 broke down and became disabled. Operator #1 called a friend for assistance and attempted to diagnose the problem. Operator #1 continued a look out and observed Vessel #2 traveling north in the Delaware River toward him. 
  
  Due to the large size of the vessel and limited knowledge of the waterway he assumed the vessel saw him and Vessel #2. Operator #1 believed Vessel #2 was holding his course due to the water depth. When Vessel #2 got closer Operator #1 began to wave his arms and blow his air horn. The Bowel of Vessel #2 struck the starboard side of Vessel #1. 
  
  Operator #1 was ejected into the water. Operator #1 kicked down the side of the barge and screamed gaining the attention of the barge crew. The current pushed Operafor #1 down river where New Jersey State Police pulled him to safety. The operator was alert and conscious but winded and tired from 
  swimming. Same refused medical attention and was turned over to a coworker who arrived to recover the disabled vessel. 
  
  It should be noted the captain and crew of vessel #2 attempted render aid by calling out man over board on VHF 16, throwing a Type 4 PFD(ring), and turning hard to the vessel starboard side away from the victim. It should also be noted that Vessel #2 is owned by Centerline Logistics. Centerline Logistics is out of Seattle Washington. The home port for vessel #2 is Wrangell Alaska. The vessel transits the east coast delivering chemicals. For this reason I was unable to physically observe the vessel, confirm information, or conduct face to face interviews. Further contributing to the fact the United States Coast Guard should investigate this commercial vessel accident. 
  
  I spoke to a representative from Centerline Logistics who stated that they would be making repairs or compensation to the owner of vessel #1. 
  
  This case is considered closed and no further action was taken ....
  