Operator of Vessel #1 stated to the effect:

I was making my way to Cape May Marina.  My GPS plotter indicated that the Route 109 Bridge that I was approaching had a clearance of 80 feet.  As I got closer to the bridge I noticed that the clearance was not 80 feet as indicated on the plotter.  I approached the bridge at a slow speed to determine if I had enough clearance to make it under the bridge safely.  Once I determined that my vessel could not make safe passage, I attempted to reverse but the current was too strong and the mast of my vessel struck the bridge.

Investigation revealed that Vessel #1 was traveling westbound in Cape May Harbor.  As Vessel #1 approached the RT109 Bridge in Lower Township to enter the Cape May Canal same struck the bridge with the mast of Vessel#1.  This was indicated by the damage observed to the mast and bow cross beam.  No visible damage to RT109 Bridge.

Operator of Vessel #1 failed to observed the posted clearance height of the RT109 Bridge striking same.

Note:  Additional damage to Vessel #1 likely upon proper inspection.
CAPE MAY CANAL
LOWER TWP                     