...to accurately and safely guide a mariner into and out of the Atlantic Ocean. The biggest problem that Masonboro Inlet encounters is, inexperienced boaters that go far to fast in near dark hours, experienced boaters that go far too fast in near dark hours and all of the other boaters that go FAR TOO FAST in near dark hours!
Anyone with any relavent seatime realizes the extreme hazards that prevail in the dark and prudent judgement says "Slow Down!" There are smaller vessels, submerged objects, unmarked pilings and ROCKS that will hole your vessel and endanger your crew. Slow, safe and cautious navigation will provide substantial correction time and substantially minimize, if not totally avoid vessel damage (plus, it allows one enough time to properly range any available markers).
I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of life and injuries in this accident, but it simply cannot be blamed on the inlet identification marks.