Operator #1 stated in effect: We were entering Barnegat Inlet to anchor for the night due to missing our original destination of Atlantic City. After clearing the inlet, we circled around just North of the lighthouse in an attempt to locate the marked channel so we could find a safe location to anchor. The depth below our vessel rapidly decreased and we ran aground on the sandy/rocky bottom and became disabled.

Investigation Revealed: Vl was entering the Barnegat Inlet, near the northern jetty in Barnegat Light, Ocean County. The rear portion of the keel and propellers struck submerged rocks and sand, causing the vessel to become disabled. The operator of the vessel notified the United States Coast Guard (USCG) on VHF emergency Channel 16. USCG responded and located the Occupants on the vessel. The remaining occupants exited the vessel and boarded the responding USCG vessels.

Upon arrival on scene: Sgt. 2 and I responded to the scene on NJSP Vessel.
TowBoatUS had two towing vessels on scene. They advised us that the vessel would not be able to be removed until the next high tide. Both occupants were relayed to USCG Barnegat Light to be evaluated by EMS just as a precaution. Both Occupants were transported to the Ship Bottom Motel for the night.
Vessel #1 sustained gash and scraping damage to the rear part of the keel and bent twin propellers.
Vessel #1 was removed from scene by TowBoatUS the next day and transported to Holiday Harbor Marina where it was removed from the water.
BARNEGAT BAY
BERKELEY                      