Operator #1 was unable to be contacted after multiple attempts to receive a statement.

Victim #1 stated to the effect: We were headed to The Dredge for the day from Somerset Cove Marina when the operator missed the turn, kept going and hit the parkway bridge. The T-Top fell on top of me and caused me to have serious injuries. 

Investigation Revealed: V1 was traveling upriver in Patcong Creek, Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County. At this time, V1 attempted to go under the Garden State Parkway Bridge when the T-Top stuck the side of the bridge. This caused the T-Top to pull out of the deck and hit the passenger sitting at the stern port side. The passenger was seriously injured and relayed back to Somerset Cove Marina by the operator of V1. The passenger was treated and evaluated by Egg Harbor Township EMS. The passenger was transported AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus. The owner of V1 was notified of the incident who wanted to report the boat stolen (see investigation report V540-2023-00019).

The cause of the accident was determined to be Operator 1 failing to adhere to USCG Navigational rules inland to keep a proper lookout USCG Rule # 5, maintain safe speed USCG Rule #6 and avoid collision USCG Rule #8.

Operator 1 was issued the following Summonses:
     
Failure to Report Accident - 
Reckless Operation - 
Speed, Wash, Wake - 
Lanyard Cutoff - 
Rules of the Road, Rule #7 Avoid Collision - 

PATCONG CREEK
EGG HARBOR TWP                