Looking at the chart, on the flood, I would guess the wind was somewhat against the current. And the inlet runs close to east/west. I would assume the current was going into it, but I don't know.

Is it possible they mixed up the two lights on each side of the inlet(perhaps saw them as one?), and assumed they were inside when they weren't? The lights look as though they would be hard to miss.

It's hard to believe someone working with a chart(paper or plotter) would not be aware of the submerged jetty. I could more easily see boats hitting it in daylight, navigating by "sight".

Engine troubles perhaps but I see the jib was unfurled, and I know that's plenty of jib on that boat to give good steerage in 15 knots(in reality, 15 can easily be 20 at times or not far away)

Makes you wonder though about a chart plotter. He probably had one (wouldn't you think?). That's the type of situation they can really be a big help. Did they have problems onboard with that or something else?

I'd be the last one to be surprised if they just missed the inlet and hit the rocks. Mistakes like that happen for all kinds of reasons, all the time. I've made them myself.

Still, I'd like to know more. I don't know the owner personally but feel I got to know him a bit following his restoration of the boat.

It's not likely most people would run Barnegat Inlet in those conditions unaware of the dangers. It's famous for it's dubious reputation among sailors, especially in adverse conditions.