Operator #1 stated via email: I own the Bonnie Dawn, a 1987, 42' full displacement, trawler with a 5 foot draft. I was heading south on the New Jersey ICW, against the tide at about 4 1/2 kn, following my Garmin chart plotter and staying in the channel as indicated. At red marker 386. I ran out of water and ran aground about 50 feet from the marker. 

Unable to extricate myself due to low water, I decided to wait for the tide change and then continue to deeper water. As the tide went out, the boat started to list at about 20°. Resting on the port stabilizer, the hull started to make crackling noises and a small leak started. 

I called Boat US when I realized the boat was going to be damaged as the tide went out. I also notified the Coast Guard. At the time of lowest tide, I was joined by Shamrock towing from Boat US, the Coast Guard and New Jersey state police. Everyone stayed on scene until the tide came in and it was established that the boat was in good enough condition, although leaking, to make it to Avalon Marina. The next day, while closed for the holiday, the yard manager organized a crew to pull the boat out and put it on the hard for repairs.

Investigation at the scene revealed: Vessel #1 was traveling south in the ICW around Marker 386, Middle Township, Cape May County. Operator #1 lacked local knowledge of the area and ran a ground. Vessel #1 sustained moderate damage to the portside stabilizer, causing the vessel to take on water. Tow Boat US was contacted, and Vessel #1 was towed to Avalon Marine Center for repair. No injuries were reported or observed on scene.

GREAT SOUND
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP               