July 29, 20223 - Saturday

     On the above date Detective Sergeant and I were on patrol in vessel 2306 in the Intracoastal Waterway in Ocean City, Cape May County, detailed to the "Night in Venice" vessel parade. During our patrol Ocean City Police contacted us via VHF Radio and advised us that a personal watercraft accident had occurred near the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp; ODU contacted us simultaneously over State Police Radio and also advised us of the accident. 

     Upon arrival Ocean City Police Patrolmen had Victim #1 on board their vessel and he was being treated by Ocean City Firefighter/EMTs. A Small Boat Crew from USCG Station Atlantic City was also on scene and assisted with transporting Firefighters and equipment. Ptl.s transported Victim to the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp where he was transferred to an Ocean City Fire Department Ambulance and Paramedics from AtlantiCare. Victim was then transported to Atlantic City Medical Center - City Campus for treatment. Due to Victim's injuries I was unable to obtain a statement at that time. 

     Ptl.s advised that upon their arrival, a passerby had stopped when he noticed Victim in the water. Upon speaking to Subject1 he advised me that he was returning to Ocean City from Somers Point when he noticed a personal watercraft adrift and a swimmer in the water nearby. Subject1 stated that he thought it was late for a PWC to be out or someone to be swimming. Subject1 approached Victim to check on him and he told Subject1 that he thought he had broken his hip. Subject1 acted to get Victim an additional flotation device, bring him alongside his vessel, and begin first aid while calling 9-1-1, but was unable to remove Victim from the water due to his extensive injuries. 

     After Victim was transported, we returned to the vicinity of the accident in an attempt to locate the vessel. Ptl.s  located Vessel #1 at the west edge of Shooting Island. Vessel #1 is a Yellow 2020 Yamaha GP1800R, NJ Registration. No damage was observed to the watercraft at the time of recovery. Victim's wallet containing his Driver's License and his cell phone were secured from the vessel. The vessel was then towed to USCG Station Great Egg where it was secured until it could be retrieved. Victim's Wallet, Cell Phone, and the Vessel were all turned over to his girlfriend who signed receipts for same.

August 2, 2023 - Wednesday

     On the above date I was able to speak with victim. Victim advised that he had suffered seven separate fractures to his pelvic bone, three broken ribs, and internal bleeding, but would make a full recovery. 

Victim told me that at approximately 1930 hours he was traveling approximately 70 miles per hour through Peck Bay when Vessel #1 threw him off. Victim said he was cruising in a straight line and the watercraft just suddenly threw him. Victim said he laid in the water for approximately an hour before Subject1 stopped to assist him.  

     Investigation revealed unsafe speed contributed to this accident.

PECK BAY
OCEAN CITY                    