Operator #1 provided the following written statement:

I had lost power in the middle of Great Bay and was observed by two other boats who saw my motor stalling. They stopped to assist and told me possible water in the fuel or bad fuel. I putted towards my Marina at low speeds stalling several times. Ultimately I came up to the bridge during super high tide. Upon idling and realizing I would not make it, I attempted to put the motor in reverse and it stalled out. I coasted forward into the bridge from the current at low speeds not exceeding 5mph, and the T Top caught the bridge top. The pressure ripped the T Top and console out of place and pinned my leg causing the injury. No damage to any other part of the boat, no other injuries sustained on board other than my girlfriend who has a few bruises from me pushing her out of the way before she got pinned. I suffered a broken fibula and tibula as a result. No damage to the bridge.

Investigation on scene revealed:
Operator #1 was transiting South in Vessel #1 in the area of Second Bridge, Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County when Operator #1 lost operational control of his vessel due to mechanical engine failure. At this time, Vessel #1 began drifting towards Second Bridge and struck same with the Vessel #1 's T-Top from the bow end. Subsequently, Vessel #1 's center console was dislodged and collapsed onto Operator #1 causing serious injury to Operator #l's right leg.

Information for this report was provided by victim's statements and damage observed to the vessel and/or other property.

LITTLE EGG HARBOR
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP         