Operator #1 stated in effect:  

I was attempting to dock my vessel port side to the dock at South Jersey Marina.  I made several attempts to get the boat to the dock, but we could not catch a line.  I struck the starboard side of the blue motor vessel.

Investigation at the scene revealed:  

Operator #1 was attempting to dock Vessel #1 port side to the courtesy pier at South Jersey Marina in Lower Township, Cape May County.  Vessel #2 was moored starboard side to the South Jersey Marina pier with Occupant #1 and Occupant #2 aboard.  Vessel #3 was moored port side to a private floating dock across from South Jersey Marina on Schellenger Creek.

Operator #1 was unable to maneuver Vessel #1 to the dock after several attempts and was set down on Vessel #2 by the ebb tide.  Vessel #1's starboard side struck Vessel #2's port side.  Vessel #2 sustained a two-inch scratch to its gelcoat below the rub rail on its port side.  Vessel #1 sustained several feet of scratches to its starboard side as a result of this collision.

Operator #1 then backed Vessel #1 away from the South Jersey Marina Piers into Schellenger Creek.  Operator #1 swung the bow and conducted a full 180-degree spin.  At this time, the bow of Vessel #1 struck the starboard side motor and swim platform of Vessel #3.  Vessel #3 sustained damage to its starboard motor and six inches of damage to the swim platform rub rail on the starboard side.  In addition, Vessel #3 sustained a gouge in the fiberglass on the swim platform approximately two inches in length.  Vessel #1 sustained no apparent damage as a result of this collision.  

Vessel #1 maneuvered out of Schellenger Creek under its own power and dropped anchor in Cape May Harbor.  Vessel #2 and Vessel #3 each remained moored at their respective berths.

No injuries were observed or reported at the scene.  Operator #1 was issued summonses for Careless Operation and for Operating A Power Vessel Without a Boating Safety Certificate.

Information for this report was provided by the operator's statement, witness statements, victims statements, and damage observed to the vessels and/or other property.

SCHELLENGER CREEK
LOWER TWP                     