01 (Operator #1) of Vessel #1 stated to the effect: My brother went into the water to pee when I noticed we started to drift far away from him. I put the vessel in reverse to get closer and then back in neutral once we got close enough to him. While in neutral, the boat kept going backwards and that's when the propeller cut his stomach. Everyone in the boat helped me get my brother inside the boat. We then left Tices Shoal area and tried to get him to the nearest street to get medical attention for him.

Investigation Revealed: Vessel #1 was in the Barnegat Bay in the area of Tices Shoal, Lacey Township, Ocean County. Victim #1 was in the water facing the stern of Vessel #1. Operator of Vessel #1 put the engine in reverse. At this time, Victim #1 was struck by engine propeller. Victim #1 suffered a laceration on the lower left abdomen. Victim #1 was then transported by Lanoka Harbor EMS to Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune Township, Monmouth County for further treatment. Vessel #1 displayed no damage as a result of the incident. Due to Vessel #1 being a rental, the owner of Aqua Rentals was notified and had staff from the business remove Vessel #1 from the scene. Upon further investigation, the operator of Vessel #1 did not have a valid boating safety certification. For details reference the Boating Under the Influence, see report number V530-2023-00005D.

TANK
LACEY TWP                     