RedactedNarrative: 09/03/2014 (Wednesday) 
  On this date at approximately 2049 hours, a "mayday" call was heard over VHF channel 16. The caller stated their vessel had struck rocks and was taking on water in the Cape May Inlet. Trooper Guido #7115 and I responded in marked Troop Vessel 2804. Upon our arrival we observed one USCG Cape May vessel, one SeaTow vessel and two TowBoat US vessels on scene assisting. The vessels were located within the Cape May Inlet and were approximately 50 yards from the tip of the south jetty. We observed SeaTow had the distressed vessel in stern tow and one of the TowBoat vessels was in a side tow with the distressed vessel attempting to de-water the distressed vessel. It was apparent the vessel was taking on water as we observed it to be sitting low in the water. 
  
  The vessel was towed to the Canyon Club Marina located in Lower Township, Cape May County where it was lifted onto dry dock utilizing a boat lift. Once out of the water, I was able to interview both occupants separately. I first spoke with the operator/owner. Operator stated he had just purchased the vessel in Freeport, NY and was en route to Maryland. Operator stated it was getting dark and instead of continuing on they decided to pull into Cape May for the evening. Operator stated he was not familiar with the Cape May Inlet. Operator stated to the effect that they entered the Cape May Inlet from the north. Operator was operating the vessel from the starboard side of the vessel. Operator stated they passed the red and green navigational lights marking the entrance to the inlet. Operator stated they were cruising at approximately 6-8 knots and were hugging the south side of the inlet. This would have put the rock jetty on Operator's port side. Operator stated his radar and GPS navigation were on and functioning. Operator stated he thought there was still enough distance between his vessel and the rock jetty. Operator stated he heard and felt like they had struck something submerged. Operator stated he knew he was in trouble and the vessel became disabled and the high water alarms began sounding. Operator stated the vessel then began taking on water. Operator stated he did not suffer any injuries as a result of this accident. 
  
  I then spoke with the occupant who stated he was seated next to Operator in the middle of the vessel. Occupant's statement collaborated Operator's statement. Occupant stated he did not suffer any injuries as a result of this accident. After speaking with both occupants, I had a chance to view the damage to the vessel. I observed gouges in the fiberglass hull of the vessel in the area of the keel on the port side towards the bow. Additionally, I observed major damage to the port propeller. There was no damage observed to the vessel above the water line. The damage observed was consistent with the statements given by both occupants indicating that they struck a submerged object. We attempted to turn on the GPS navigation unit to observe the vessels track's but were unable to power back up the unit. It should be noted the vessel was just purchased in Freeport, NY and was en route to Maryland where it would be registered in Operator's name. 
  
  Information for this report was provided by the operator's statement, witness statement and damaged observed to the vessel. 
  
  (NARRATIVE TAKEN VERBATIM FROM NJSP REPORT V540 2014 00024B)