Boater charged after boat bumps Johnnie Mercer’s Pier

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Wildlife officers charged a boater with operating a watercraft while impaired after his boat bumped Johnnie Mercer’s Pier at Wrightsville Beach yesterday.

Investigators say Michael Rushing’s 50-foot boat came too close to shore as he and two passengers waved at friends on the beach.

Investigators say the boat got caught on a sand bar and stalled the motor. The current then pushed the boat into the pier.

The collision did not cause any structural damage to the pier.