Operator #1 stated to the effect:

I was traveling northbound through the Ocean Drive Bridge and there was heavy boat traffic in the area. When I went through the bridge I saw there was a 65-foot clearance under the middle section of the bridge and I thought my mast would be clear. I attempted to go under the bridge two sections East of the main channel and my mast struck the bridge and collapsed onto me.

Investigation at the scene revealed:
Operator #1 was transiting northbound in Vessel #1 in the Great Egg Harbor Inlet in Ocean City, Cape May County. At this time, Operator #1 attempted to transit under the Ocean Drive Bridge outside of the main channel and struck Vessel #1 's mast on the southern side of the aforementioned bridge due to insufficient vertical clearance. As a result, Vessel #1 's mast snapped at its base and collapsed into the water on the starboard side of the vessel.

No injuries were observed or reported on scene.

Information for this report was obtained through statements of Operator #1 and observation of the damages on the vessel.

GREAT EGG HARBOR INLET
OCEAN CITY                    