RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated in effect: I was setting my anchor, I left the cover off the windlass deck switches.
  My knee hit the windlass switch, and my fingers got sucked into the windlass.
  
  Investigation at the scene revealed: A 26 foot sailing vessel 
  was at anchor in Cape May Harbor, Cape May County. Operator #1 was in the process of setting his
  anchor and during the course of that evolution, his knee hit the deck switches controlling the windlass,
  causing the chain and three fingers on Operator #1 's right hand to be caught in the vessel's windlass.
  Operator #1 subsequently placed a distress call on VHF Channel 16 requesting assistance. USCG Cape
  May personnel were in the immediate area and responded to the scene. Operator #1 was removed from
  the vessel to USCG Station Cape May, where Cape May EMS transported him to Cape May Regional
  Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation.
  
  Troopers responded to Cape Regional Medical Center in Middle Township to interview the victim about
  the circumstances surrounding the accident. Operator #1 sustained severe lacerations to his right pinky
  finger, an amputation to his right ring finger, and a fractured middle finger on his right hand. The
  vessel, sustained no damage as a result of the incident and was secured at the anchorage for retrieval at a
  later date.
  
  Information for this report was provided by the operator's statement, witness statements, victim
  statements, and damage observed to the vessels and/or other property.