Operator 1 provided the following statement via email: "As I approached the entrance to Beach Creek from Herford Inlet in North Wildwood, I slowed to approximately 15 MPH to allow the stand-on vessel that was approaching from my port side which allowed me to become the give-way vessel. 

Soon after (<30 sec.) the stand-on vessel cleared my bow. At that time the PWC approached on my starboard side at a high rate of speed (>50 MPH) and only made a last split second attempt to turn his vessel to his port side, but he was not able to avoid hitting my stern on the starboard side. At that point his vessel whipped around for a second point of impact where his stern side bit me amidship. The operator of the PWC was ejected from his vessel but indicated he was OK when he came to the surface."

Operator 2 advised he was coming out of the no wake zone heading towards the ocean passing Beach Creek. Operator 2 advised he saw the other vessel coming from his left which "basically stopped" in front of him. Operator 2 advised he tried to turn to his left but was too close and could not avoid the boat, running into the its side.

Investigation revealed that Vl was making way in a southbound direction in Hereford Inlet attempting to enter Beach Creek. V2, on the starboard side of Vl, was making way traveling in a eastbound direction in Hereford Inlet approaching the mouth of Beach Creek. As per Navigation Rule 15, Vl was the give-way vessel and V2 was the stand-on vessel in this crossing situation. Vl did not give-way, crossing the bow of V2. The bow of V2 then made impact with the starboard side of Vl near the stern.

After initial impact V2 then rotated in a counter clockwise direction causing the starboard side of V2 to have a second impact with the starboard side of Vl at midship. As a result of these impacts Operator 2 was ejected from V2 into the water. After the collision Operator 2 was assisted out of the water. V2 was taking on water and began to sink. It was later towed and beached a the North Wildwood beach.

North Wildwood Beach Patrol and North Wildwood Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.

Operator 1 did not sustain any injuries as a result of this collision. The passenger of Vl fell from her seat which caused her to sustain a minor laceration to her right leg. She refused any medical treatment. Operator 2 sustained serious injuries with a sprained right wrist and broken toe on left foot. He was transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment by EMS.

Vl sustained significant damage to the starboard side hull with multiple gouges and dents. V2 sustained significant disabling damage to the bull at the bow causing it to take on water and partially sink.
HEREFORD INLET
NORTH WILDWOOD                