Operator #1 Stated to the effect:  We were heading out to fish a fishing tournament.  I requested a bridge opening and waited for the opening.  I was idling under the bridge when a strong 20 degree current took me into the bridge.  We started taking on water, so I went to Avalon Yacht Club.  Passenger's onboard concurred with the operators' statements.

        Investigation Revealed:  Vessel #1 was traveling east bound under the Townsends Inlet Bridge after a requested bridge opening.  Vessel #1 struck the southwest section of the bridge ice breaker, fender system.  The collision resulted in a 4' hole at Vessel #1's starboard side midship with water intrusion.  Vessel #1 started taking on water and navigated to Avalon Yacht Club where it sank after being tied to a dock.  No injuries were reported from this accident.  Property damage (estimated $5,000) was discovered at the bridges ice breaker, fender system.
Townsend Inlet
Avalon                        