RedactedNarrative: Operator #1: Deceased
  Operator #2 stated to the effect:  We were trying to go out of the inlet and go oceanside, when a boat in front of me kept speeding up and slowing way down.  I didn't want to run into the back of the other boat, so I went around to pass it.  There were other boats in the area, so we weren't up on plane, I just didn't see the one boat and next thing it was behind us.
  
  Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was drifting within the Oyster Creek Channel, between Buoy 18A and the dredge barge prior to the vessel accident.  Vessel #2 was underway heading south within the Oyster Creek Channel prior to accident.  Due to the fact that operator #2 failed to maintain a proper look-out, vessel #1 was struck on its port side stern by vessel #2.  Vessel #1 sustained moderate damage at point of impact.  Vessel #1 sustained subsequent damage to engine bonnet and tiller.  Vessel #2 continued forward overriding vessel #1 at is stern, subsequently striking operator #1.  The other two occupants of vessel #1 dove towards the bow for safety just prior to impact.  Vessel #2 continued forward completely overriding vessel #1 and remained at the scene.  Persons in the vessel and the deceased were assisted by nearby vessels.  Vessel #1 was secured by SeaTow, Group Waretown, dewatered, and placed in side tow.  SeaTow then towed vessel #1 to USCG Barnegat Light.  NJSP Marine Unit personnel responded and secured scene.  Vessel #2 was escorted to USCG Barnegat Light by myself.  
  
       At USCG Barnegat Light, the deceased and occupants of vessel #1 were transported to Southern Ocean County Hospital reference injuries.  At the hospital the operator1 was pronounced deceased at 1521 by Dr..  Victim #2 was treated for a panic attack and later released.  At the USCG station, NJSP Marine Unit, Troop 'C' CIO, Crime Scene, and Fatal Accident Unit all responded.  Long Beach Township Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutors Office responded as well.  Vessel #1 was pulled from the water via trailer at the Barnegat Boro Municipal Ramp by owner and transported same back to the USCG station.  Vessel #2 was towed from USCG Barnegat Light to Barnegat Light Municipal Ramp where it was removed from the water by NJSP Repair and Supply North and transported back to the Coast Guard station.  Both vessels were processed by NJSP Crime Scene and Fatal Accident Unit.  
  
       At this location a hull inspection was conducted on vessel #2, which revealed fresh scrapes along the centerline bow.  There were also several fresh scrapes along the centerline hull consistent with the damage on vessel #1.  A black rub mark was observed on the forward portion of the hull starboard side, matching up with the handle of the tiller.  Vessel #1's port stern gunwale was cracked as a result of contact with the bow of vessel #2.  There were also striation marks on top of the engine bonnet, and broken tiller handle.  At USCG Barnegat Light interviews were conducted by Troop.
  Investigation pending...               
  