# ReleasableAccidentes

BARDID: MD-2020-0083
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Rock Creek-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Pasadena
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 25th, 2020, at 8:16 PM, I, Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call for a boat accident in the area of Rock Creek on the Patapsco River.  The Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AAFD) advised that they were transporting an injured male subject by vessel,  from his personal watercraft (PWC) to Blake's Bar Harbor Marina, located at 208 Bar Harbor Road, Pasadena, Maryland, 21122.  DNR Communications Center advised that the male subject's PWC was adrift in the area of White Rocks on the Patapsco River near the entrance to Rock Creek.  I arrived on scene by vessel and could not locate any PWC in the area.

At that time,  I headed to Blake's Bar Harbor Marina and the male subject was already in the ambulance.  A  firefighter with AAFD advised that the male subject had broken his femur and that they would be transporting him to Baltimore Shock Trauma, located at 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201.  The Ambulance run number is 202-46215.  The firefighter also advised that a female on a separate PWC secured the injured male's PWC and was towing it home.  Due to the severity of the injury and no safe place to dock the vessel,  I contacted the DNR Communications Center to get an area 6 unit to respond to Baltimore Shock Trauma to get the injured male's information.

Corporal, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to Baltimore Shock Trauma to obtain the injured male's information. Victim has a DNR Compass ID profile.  Corporal also advised that he received Victim's information from the paramedics on Medic-11, the ambulance who transported Victim to Baltimore Shock Trauma, due to Victim being in surgery. 

On August 10th., 2020, at 7:00PM,  I interviewed Victim at his residence.  Victim advised me that he had broken his left femur.  Victim said that while coming out of Rock Creek and heading out toward White Rocks on the Patapsco River, Victim hit a wake from a vessel that went by.  Victim advised that he and the PWC went airborne.  While airborne, Victim stated that he lost his footing and when he came back down, he fell on top of the PWC, breaking his left femur.  Victim's PWC was at the location and showed no signs of damage at all.  I have attached photos of Victim's PWC to my report.

Due to Victim's injury, a Watercraft Accident Report is attached to my report.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0084
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:31:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac River-Mouth-Ragged & P
NearestCityorTown: Woodbridge, VA
County: Charles
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper loading
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 20, 2020 at approximately 8:54 pm, I (O.F.C.) responded to the Potomac River just outside of Leesylvania State Park, Virginia for a missing operator of a jetski. Upon my arrival, I met with U.S. Coast Guard boat #29107 and Virginia fire boat who reported to me that at approximately 7:50 pm a jetski carrying three people, which was being operated by Operator, overturned in the water and Operator had not surfaced. The following GPS coordinates of 38?35.17N 077?14.46W were given by Virginia fire boat who was in charge of the search efforts on the Potomac River. 

Occupant2, the passenger behind Operator, and Occupant3, the passenger seated behind Occupant2, reported that they were on the jetski being operated by Operator and Occupant3 did not have a life jacket. Fearing for her safety, Occupant3 wanted to go back to shore. Operator assured Occupant3 that she was safe and gave his life jacket to her (Occupant3). As Operator operated the jetski, he began to sway from side to side as he accelerated. Shortly after, Operator made a "quick left turn which caused the jetski to overturn which threw all occupants into the water." 

A pontoon boat who was nearby responded to Occupant2 and Occupant3 and retrieved them from the water. Operator attempted to swim after the jetski and was unsuccessful. At that time, fire and rescue were contacted by unknown witnesses as the pontoon boat headed towards Operator and he (Operator) was seen go under water. Virginia fire boat reported to me that they exhausted all efforts for the evening. I then suspended the search at approximately 11:00 pm until sunrise on July 21, 2020. 

The jetski was identified as a white, silver and blue Seadoo GTX 4-Tech with Florida registration 2668 PB but displayed Virginia validation sticker 4906 CB. I requested a query through Natural Resources Police Communications of the Seadoo which revealed that the registration was under a different make. I searched the Seadoo and discovered that the hull identification number was not present. The Seadoo was photographed by Investigators and released on scene. All events occurred in Charles County, Maryland. 

Victim was a 5' 06", 150 lbs Hispanic Male.  At the time of the accident he was wearing swim trunks with a floral pattern.  He has a tattoo of barbwire on his left bicep and a 1/2 sleeve tattoo on his right forearm.  At the time of the accident he was not wearing a life jacket but is known to be a decent swimmer.  

From the translated written statement, occupant2 states the following happened. "We climbed on the jetski. The driver, I’m in the middle and my friend behind. Him and I brought life jackets. She didn’t bring when we were in the middle of the lake. My friend was scared and he told me to give her his life jacket because he knew how to swim so we stopped there. We were still scared and wanted to get off. That’s when three of us fell in to the left. 

He put himself in front of me because I don’t know how to swim.  That’s when my friend saw a boat and started to scream for help. I thought that no one was going to help. I told him to go to the jetski and he went but he couldn’t reach the jetski. When the people on the boat came to rescue me. I was only able to see his head. They helped us but no one helped me. 

When we got on the boat, I wasn’t able to see him" 

From the translated written statement, Occupant3 states the following happened. "When we got to the Jetski operator was driving it my friend was in the middle and i was in the end. He started to go deeper into the lake and I thought we were going to fall off. I asked him to please let me off because I was very scared, he started laughing then we left. 

He told me to calm down and took off his life jacket. He repeated for me to calm down and I told him to take off the jetski. He started laughing and we were scared. So then we left and He made a left turn when we fell into the water. I started looking to see where I can see a boat to help a hand. They saw us and then the people on the boat came and help. I tried to swim to the direction to the boat. Then the two people helped me get on the boat." The two women had in their possession a black and red gym bag belonging to Operator.  A search was conducted of the gym bag.  Inside the bag was 3 empty cans of Modelo beer, 5 unopened cans of Modelo beer, two bottles of unopened water, a pair of flip flops, a pair of soccer cleats, and a set of shin guards.  In an outside pouch was a cell phone and a set of keys.  The Jet Ski was photographically documented next.  The Jet ski was a white Seadoo with a blue seat. Florida registration numbers of FL 2668PB were being displayed with a Virginia registration decal. The VA decal displayed a registration number of  VA 4906CB.  Inside the storage compartment were 2 kill switch ignition keys, a roll of black duct tape and a pair of sunglasses.


BARDID: MD-2020-0085
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake/Green Glade Co
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at 1015 hours, I, Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, was dispatched to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland for a report of a patient being treated for an ear laceration sustained during a wakeboarding accident.  I arrived on scene at the emergency room at 1052 hours and made contact with the juvenile victim, and his parents.

Operator advised that he was towing Victim on a wakeboard behind his vessel, later identified as a white and dark navy blue 2005 Bayliner 200 BR displaying MD registration 9394 CD, in the area of Green Glade Cove on Deep Creek Lake at around 0900 hours when the force of a wake threw victim from the board.  Occupant1 was serving as the rear-facing observer at the time of the incident and the vessel was traveling northwest towards the main body of Deep Creek Lake at approximately 20 mph.  Weather conditions and visibility were clear and Operator advised that there was an average level of boat traffic in the area at the time.

Operator stated that Victim initially complained of leg pain when he was thrown from the board, so he and Subject1 brought Victim onboard the vessel.  It was at that time that they noticed blood and a laceration to Victim's right ear, presumably sustained from striking the board as he entered the water.  I observed the injury, which bisected Victim's ear horizontally from back to front.  No further complaints were made regarding leg pain and no other injuries were identified.  Operator advised that Victim had been wearing a personal flotation device and none of the family had consumed any alcohol or drugs.

Operator advised that he had docked his vessel at the public docks located on Garrett Highway in the area commonly referred to as "Trader's Landing," described more precisely as 21311 Garrett Highway, Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland 21550.  Operator transported Victim by private vehicle from that location to Garrett Regional Medical Center for treatment.  Operator voluntarily encouraged me to conduct whatever investigation necessary at his vessel.

Before clearing the hospital at 1114 hours, I witnessed a surgeon meet with the family and begin preparations to administer stiches to Victim's ear.

I completed the remainder of my investigation at the area previously described as Trader's Landing, where I located the vessel, observed the involved wake board in the rear passenger area of the boat, and confirmed all necessary safety equipment was present.

I followed-up with Operator by telephone on Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 at 1636 hours and he advised that Victim was recovering well and was scheduled to have his stitches removed on Friday, August 14th, 2020.

No violations were associated with this accident and the investigation is complete.

All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0086
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-10 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/10/2020 at approximately 7:45PM, I, Maryland Natural Resource Police Officer responded to a cardiac arrest boating related accident that occurred on Deep Creek Lake. Emergency personnel from Deep Creek Fire Department (Ambulance 11) were on scene when I arrived at approximately 8:05 PM.

I walked to dock number where Deep Creek Volunteer EMTs were performing CPR and checking vital signals of the victim. At this time Victim had no vital signs, Victim was hooked up to an AED, a shock was administered, a pulse returned. Trooper 5 was called to transport Victim to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown West Virginia. At 8:25PM Victim was transported to Trooper 5 helicopter.

There were three persons on the vessel during the incident. All identified by driver’s licenses.

 Operator was traveling at about 10 MPH to the west while Victim was wakesurfing. When Victim fell off the board, the vessel turned around. Subject1 noticed Victim was not responding to conversion and his head was face down in the water. Subject1 jumped in the water to get him out of the water. Victim was placed on the swim platform of the vessel by Subject1 and Operator. Operator started CPR on Victim. Subject1 and Subject2 assisted with CPR until relived by EMS. Operator went with Victim to the hospital.  

I asked Subject1 what had happened. Subject1 stated Victim was wakesurfing at about 10mph when he fell off the board. Subject1 said Victim did not hit anything when he fell in. The operator of the vessel Operator turned around to pick up Victim.  Subject1 said he was floating in the water and a boat wave hit Victim from behind causing him to float with his face in the water. Subject1 knew something was wrong and jumped in the water to get him above the water. Operator also jumped in the water to help get Victim out of the water and back on the boat. They were able to get him on the swim platform of the vessel where Operator began to perform CPR. Subject1 yelled to a nearby bystanders on dock number to call 911 for help. While Operator and Subject1 were performing CPR the other passenger of the vessel drove the vessel to dock number. Subject1 stated once at the dock he Subject2 and subject1 continued CPR on the dock.

I asked Subject2 what happened. Subject2 stated he was on the vessel as an observer when Victim fell off the surfboard. Subject2 said when they turned around Victim was face up in the water not responding or looking, when he went face under Subject1 and Operator jumped in to get him. Subject2 said after getting Victim on the boat he drove to boat to a dock while Operator and Subject1 were doing CPR on him. I asked Subject2 if Victim was wearing a life jacket and Subject2 said yes and showed me the life jacket. Victim was wearing a type 3 PFD that was the correct size and in good usable condition. 

I checked in on victim.  He was doing very well, he had regained conscious, majority of his memory and motor skills.   

No charges issued.

All of the above occurred in Garrett County Maryland

Request case Closure.  It is possible carbon monoxide was a factor.


BARDID: MD-2020-0087
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Brg-Cove
NearestCityorTown: Deale
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, August 13th, 2020, at approximately 2139 hours, I, OFC. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, was dispatched to a report of a vessel that had struck the Rockhold Creek rock jetty, located in Anne Arundel County, MD. OFC. and I responded by water from Sandy Point. Upon our arrival, at approximately 2230 hours, we observed a 25’ center console vessel resting on its port side on the south side of the rock jetty. The GPS coordinates of the vessel were recorded as N 38.7673 by W -76.5570. The vessels Maryland registration is MD2542BD. It is a 25'2" Sportcraft registered to Father of the operator.  We were unable to approach the vessel by boat due to wave conditions and depth. We subsequently met with the occupants of the vessel and Anne Arundel County EMS/Police at 483 Leitch Road, Tracy’s Landing, MD 20779.

               OFC. and I spoke with vessel occupants about the accident. Operator explained, that they were anchored in Herring Bay, listening to music, and watching the sunset. On their way into Rockhold creek, around 2100 hours, experienced rough water conditions with the wind out of the east/northeast at approximately 10-20 mph. The wave conditions were 2-3 feet. Operator explained that Victim was sitting on his lap while he was operating the boat. 

Operator stated he never saw the rock jetty and was not paying full attention, but knew it was there because of his experience of the area. He explained that he was running at 2500 RPM, at approximately 15 mph. When the vessel hit the south side of the rock jetty, it was headed in a northwesterly direction. This impact caused the starboard bow to make contact and ramp up the jetty. The vessel then slid back down the jetty and subsequently flipped toward the port side. The port side of the vessel was submerged with the starboard side out of the water.  A good samaritan helped assist the occupants out of the vessel and took them to shore where they were assessed by Anne Arundel County Personnel.

    Operator stated he has over 500 hours of experience on the water. It was confirmed that he has a boater’s safety certificate. Due to the nature of the accident, I performed horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) on him. There were no evident signs of alcohol or drug impairment or use. I asked all occupants of the vessel if there was any alcohol or drug use that occurred while on the boat and all stated, “no.” One occupant was examined from AACO EMS for neck pain, but was never transported to the hospital.

Due to the location of the vessel and inability to inspect it, I spoke with the vessel owner who stated that all proper safety equipment was onboard the vessel at the time of the incident. He stated, his son took the vessel out with his friends without permission. owner explained that he does not have insurance on the vessel, and due to the damage the vessel will be a total loss. He estimated the vessel to be worth around $9,500. The vessel was removed on the morning of August 14, 2020 and returned back to a private boat lift.

On Friday, August 14, 2020 at approximately 1700 hours, I met with Operator, and identified him. I obtained a witness statement and discussed the situation. I charged Operator with the following violations:

08.18.01.04A- Failure to Obey Navigation Rules Improper Lookout- $85, Max- $500

08.18.01.05B- Negligent Operation of a Vessel- $320, Max-$500

WARNING: 08.18.01.05A- Reckless Operation of a Vessel

 

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.

This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0088
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:39:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: North East
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
730pm on 7/25/2020 Victim was water skiing behind her brothers vessel  around Turkey Point when she fell and the line was tangled around her arm and caused swelling and pain in the arm. Subject stayed alert and conscious. Subject arrived at Union Hospital around 2015 hrs. I received the call at 2140hrs. I arrived at the hospital at 2210hrs. Subject has avulsion fraction in her wrist. all other information is in boat accident report. All events occurred in Cecil county MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0089
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: McHenry
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
n Thursday, July 4th, 2020 at 1726 hours, I, Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, was on marine patrol of Deep Creek Lake in the area of Marsh Run Cove aboard marked patrol vessel NRP 806 when I was dispatched to the area of dock for an injury resulting from a propeller strike.  I responded to the scene along with Sgt. who was aboard marked patrol vessel NRP 725.

We arrived on scene at the Aquatic Center at 1732 hours and identified the docked rental vessel containing the victim as a 2018 G3 Boats Suncatcher V20C displaying Maryland registration 1696 LB and belonging to the Aquatic Center.  Garrett County Emergency Medical Services was already on scene administering first aid for a three-inch laceration to Victim's right calf.  Victim would ultimately be transported by private vehicle to Garrett Regional Medical Center where his injury required an undisclosed amount of sutures.

In response to my inquiry about the vessel occupants, rental staff directed me to a group of male individuals standing on the shore.  An individual identified by driver's license and boating safety license claimed to be the operator of the aforementioned vessel at the time of the incident.  Operator informed me that he had been drifting near the Deep Creek Marina fuel docks, waiting in line to fuel his rental vessel at the time of the accident.  Operator explained that several of his passengers had jumped over the back of the boat to swim while they were waiting, and when he placed the vessel in gear, several of the passengers remaining in the stern of the vessel had pulled Victim aboard with an injured leg. 

Operator was wearing a cloth mask over his face at the time of our contact, but I could smell an odor of alcoholic beverage about his person.  I requested that Operator remain at the scene while I finished collecting information from all of the occupants of the vessel, which he informed me had been eight in total, including himself and the victim. 

I identified the two other swimmers.  Both individuals, along with vessel passenger corroborated the story that Victim had been struck by the vessel propeller while swimming when Operator placed the vessel into gear.  Based on the accounts, it was unknown whether Operator was placing the vessel into reverse to create distance from a neighboring vessel that was moving or whether he placed the vessel into forward motion to enter a fueling slip.  All other passengers were also identified and are included in this report.

As I concluded my interviews with the passengers, I re-established contact with Operator, who was currently completing a voluntary Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Standardized Field Sobriety Test for Sgt..  Sgt. advised that he observed 5 clues during the test, including a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in the left eye.  Operator informed Sgt. and I that he suffered from "bad eye reflex" in his left eye.

I moved Operator to a dry, level parking lot with painted white lines for additional voluntary testing.  Operator was wearing composite slip-on footwear at the time of our contact and he elected to perform the Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand Standardized Field Sobriety Tests barefoot. 

I placed Operator into the instructional stance for the Walk and Turn test and both verbally instructed him and physically demonstrated for him how to perform the test.  Operator lost his balance twice during the instructional stage and began the test early multiple times as he practiced the steps I was explaining.  In response to Operator's inquiries, I made multiple attempts to clarify the instructions and re-demonstrate the test for him.  Specifically, Operator explained that he did not understand the word "pivot" that I used while explaining the turn.  I re-demonstrated the turn for Operator as I explained that it meant to keep one foot in place on the line and slowly turn using a series of small steps with the other foot.  Operator acknowledged that he understood before I told him to begin the test when ready.  Operator took an incorrect number of steps during the first nine steps, stating "one" while standing in place in the instructional phase and counting his first step as "two."  After completing his eighth step, which he called "nine," Operator turned around by spinning rather than as previously instructed.  Operator completed the second set of nine steps correctly.  In total, I observed 4 clues during Operator's completion of the voluntary Walk and Turn Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

While completing the One Leg Stand, which I also verbally explained and physically demonstrated, Operator swayed while balancing and placed his foot down on counts 14 and 18.  Operator counted in a manner of "one, one-thousand; two, two-thousand; three, three-thousand" and so on.  I ended the test at 20 counts.  In total, I observed 2 clues during Operator's completion of the voluntary One Leg Stand Standardized Field Sobriety Test.

Sgt. offered Operator a voluntary preliminary breath test and Operator agreed to submit a breath sample.  Sgt. had to administer the test multiple times in order to obtain a reading, as Operator interrupted several of his breath samples part way through.  The successful resulting sample registered a blood alcohol content of .091.

I read Operator his Miranda Rights and placed him under arrest for suspicion of operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol at 1801 hours.

I transported Operator to the Deep Creek Lake State Park boat ramp by marked patrol vessel NRP 806 and then to the Public Safety Building for Garrett County, Maryland in McHenry by marked patrol vehicle NRP 477.  I continued to detect a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from Operator's person during transport.  Operator was placed into a personal flotation device for vessel transport and was transported in double-locked handcuffs during vehicle transport.  Operator and the patrol vehicle were searched before and after transport without incident.  Operator's personal possessions included his cellular telephone, a wallet, and a case of sunglasses, which were left on the vehicle dash in front of him during transport and returned to him upon release.

At the McHenry Public Safety Building, I read to Operator the NRP-482 Maryland Natural Resources Police Advice of Rights.  After I finished, Operator requested to also read the form for himself before making his decision regarding submitting a breath sample and I provided the form to him.  Operator signed his consent to submit a breath sample at 1843 hours.  A copy of Operator's signed NRP-482 is attached to this report.  Maryland State Police Sgt. administered the breath test at 1855 hours, which detected a blood alcohol content of .063.  At the time the test was administered, approximately one and a half hours had passed since the start of our investigation and approximately one hour had passed since Operator had completed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

I issued Operator the following Department of Natural Resources Citations:

0Y66259242 - NR 8-704 MR 08.18.01.05B Negligent operation of a vessel
1Y66259243 - NR 8-738(a)2 Operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol
2Y66259244 - NR 8-738(a)3 Operating a vessel while impaired by any drug or combination of drugs and alcohol

Operator was released and picked up from the McHenry Public Safety Building by friends at 1933 hour


BARDID: MD-2020-0090
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Potomac R-Cobb Island-North-MD
NearestCityorTown: King George
County: Charles
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 26, 2020 at approximately 1415 hours I, CPL, received a call from our communications center regarding a vessel on fire off of Fairview Beach, Virginia.

Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Boat 1 was on scene.  I made contact via phone with Deputy on CCSO Boat 1.  Deputy relayed the contact information of the owner / operator of the vessel that was on fire: Operator.  Deputy stated that Tow Boat US was on scene and he gave me their contact information as well.  

I made contact with Operator and he stated that he was going to have his boat towed to his.  I told him I would meet him there.   

While they were in tow, I called Operator again and asked him to describe what happened.  Operator stated that he, his wife and a friend, left the marina at approximately 1200 hours heading south towards Rick's on the River Restaurant located  near Fairview Beach, Virginia.  Occupant1 was below deck and yelled out that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment.  Operator anchored his boat, called 911 and told everyone to grab a life jacket and put it on.  Operator grabbed one of his fire extinguishers in an attempt to put out the fire.  

Operator explained that he used both of his fire extinguishers and the fire was still blazing. He then told everyone to get above deck and head to the bow of the boat.  Another boat was passing by and came over to see if they could help.  

Good Samaritan offered another fire extinguished but Operator stated that he didn't think that it would help.  Good Samaritan then said that they could board his boat and wait until the fire boat arrived.  While Good Samaritan was attempting to maneuver his boat closer to Operator's boat the bow of both boats collided and the windshield of Good Samaritan's boat was shattered.  Good Samaritan was trying to push the boats apart when his right forearm was lacerated on the windshield.  

Passenger who was on Good Samaritan's boat, took control of the vessel and got everyone on board safely. Subject4 headed to Rick's on the River Restaurant where they met King George's County Sheriff's Deputy. Deputy had an ambulance waiting and Good Samaritan was transported to Mary Washington Hospital located at 1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.  Good Samaritan received 10 stitches to the inside of his right forearm.   Subject4 operated the vessel back to their marina and drove to the hospital.

While all passengers were at Ricks on the River Restaurant, CCSO, Tow Boat US and Nanjemoy Fire Boat #4 arrived on scene of the vessel that was on fire.  (GPS Coordinates N38*21.877 W077*14.489) Nanjemoy Fire Boat #4 did not see any flames or smoke coming from the boat.  They boarded the boat and confirmed that the fire had been put out by the halon system.  No action was taken by Nanjemoy Fire Boat #4.

Tow Boat US made contact with Operator via phone.  Tow Boat US picked up Operator and his passengers and brought them back to their boat.  Tow Boat US proceeded to tow the vessel to Marina in Woodbridge, Virginia. I met Operator at Marina obtained additional information and took pictures of the vessel.

I contacted Good Samaritan and took his statement via phone.  Good Samaritan corroborated the events similar to Operator's statement.  Good Samaritan took pictures of his vessel and sent them to me via cell phone.

All events occurred in Charles County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0091
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-07-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pataposco River
NearestCityorTown: Baltimore City
County: Baltimore City
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 26, 2020 at approximately 1922 hrs I Corporal of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) heard on VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 a report of an injured child on a personal watercraft (PWC) at Ft. Armistead Park on the Patapsco River. I immediately contacted DNR Communications and requested NRP Officers on the Patapsco River in Anne Arundel County to respond to the accident scene. I boarded my patrol boat on Middle River in Baltimore County and responded also. 

NRP Ofc. arrived on scene prior to me and they told me they saw the child victim being tended to by Baltimore City Fire EMS for a laceration on his neck. The Officers also spoke with the PWC Operator and father of Victim, Operator, and they learned that the PWC ran into a fishing line that was sticking out across the water off of the fishing pier at Ft. Armistead Park. Victim was transported by Baltimore City Fire EMS to Johns Hopkins Hospital. Ofc. took photos of the PWC and they are attached to this report. 

On July 27, 2020 Ofc. met Operator to deliver a NRP-425A (Witness/Victim Statement).

On July 30, 2020 I went to Operator's residence to pick-up his completed statement (attached to this report) and to learn more details of the incident. Operator told me that his son Victim was sitting in front of him, between him and the PWC handlebars, at the time of the accident. They were approximately 50-60 feet from the Ft. Armistead Park fishing pier and moving at an average speed when the PWC ran into a fishing line that was across the water. The fishing line moved up over the bow and handlebars and caught Victim in the neck under the chin. This caused a 6 inch laceration on Victim neck that required sutures at Johns Hopkins Hospital. 

Operator operated the PWC to the Ft. Armistead Park boat ramp and called 911. I asked Operator if he had taken a Boaters Safety Education course prior to operating the PWC since he was born after July 1, 1972. He told me he had not. I also told him that it appeared that he violated the PWC speed/distance regulation which states a PWC must be operated at a speed of 6 knots or less when within 100 feet of a structure, in this case a fishing pier. Operator told me he was unaware of both of these regulations.

I issued Operator warnings for the following:

MR 08.18.02.05C         Failure of operator of PWC Born After July 1, 1972 to Possess a Boater Safety Education Certificate

MR 08.18.02.05K         Operate PWC Over 6 Knots w/In 100 ft of Structure


All events occurred in Baltimore City, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0092
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-20 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/20/20 at 11:28AM, Officer 1 responded to a PWC related accident On Deep Creek Lake near land address 2979 Lake Shore Drive Oakland, Maryland 21550. The victim was reported in the water and unconscious. EMS, Officer 3, Officer 2 and Officer 1, arrived on scene at 11:38AM.

The victim Operator 1 was sitting on the back of Good Samaritan 1’s PWC about 100 feet away from dock number 64834. Good Samaritan 1 was holding Operator 1 in an upright position on the swim platform of his PWC. Operator 1 was regaining consciousness. Officer 3 assisted to hold Operator 1 upright while Officer 3 picked up the paramedic and I from dock number 64834. Officer 2 and the paramedic placed Operator 1 into NRP vessel 725 to be taken to shore. Once at dock number 64834 Operator 1 was taken to Garrett Regional Medical Center by Garrett Rescue squad Ambulance 11 for further evaluation at 11:50AM. Operator 1 was conscious but had no memory of the event that had just occurred.

I asked Good Samaritan 1 what he observed. Good Samaritan 1 stated he was on a separate PWC traveling to the east. Good Samaritan 1 stated Operator 1 was operating his PWC the same direction at approximately 70 MPH when he struck a small boat wake. Good Samaritan 1 stated the PWC turned slightly and Operator 1 fell off the side into the water. Good Samaritan 1 stopped to see if Operator 1 was ok, and realized Operator 1 was not responding to conversation.  Operator 1 was floating with his head going in and out of the water. Good Samaritan 1 grabbed Operator 1 and placed him on the back of his PWC. Operator 1 started to regain consciousness while sitting on the back of Operator 1’s PWC. 
   
I asked Witness 1 who was operating a separate PWC in the same group with Operator 1. Witness 1 stated he observed Operator 1 operating his PWC at a higher rate of speed when he hit a boat wave. Witness 1 stated Operator 1 fell off the PWC into the water. Witness 1 drove over to see if he was ok. Witness 1 noticed Operator 1 was not responding to questions and stopped to help Good Samaritan 1 get Operator 1 on the back of Good Samaritan 1’s PWC.

At approximately 12:45PM I responded to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland. I made contact with Operator 1. I asked him if he remembered anything that had happened from his PWC incident. Operator 1 still had no recollection of what had happened. Operator 1’s injury diagnosis was a closed head injury and neck strain. Operator 1 was released from Garrett Regional Medical Center at approximately 4:30PM I issued Operator 1 a warning for negligent operation of a vessel. 
Request case closure.

All of the above occurred in Garrett County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0093
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: McHenry
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8/22/2020 at 7:23PM Officer 1 was dispatched to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland Maryland for a PWC accident occurring on Deep Creek Lake. On arrival I made contact with Operator 1, the operator and victim of the PWC incident.

I asked Operator 1 what happened. Operator 1 stated around 6:30PM he was operating his PWC on the north side of the 219 Bridge at approximately 30 MPH when he struck a boat wake. Operator 1 stated he was over 100 feet from any other vessel when he struck the boat wake. Operator 1 fell off the port side of the PWC striking his lower left leg and ankle on the port gunwale. Operator 1 boarded the PWC and immediately returned to his dock because his lower left leg was in pain and he could not put any weight on it. Operator 1 was wearing a type 3 PFD and safety lanyard at the time of the incident. Operator 1 had his spouse transport him by personal vehicle to Garrett Regional Medical Center at approximately 7:00PM. Operator 1 diagnosis was a fractured fibula on his left leg.
At approximately 8:30PM I arrived to Operator 1’s dock to inspect the PWC used in the incident for all safety equipment. The Yamaha Wave Runner bearing Maryland registration 9208 CS, had all required safety equipment.   

All of the above occurred in Garrett County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0094
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle River
NearestCityorTown: Middle River
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, August 5th, 2020 at approximately 1722 hours I, Officer of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call for a vessel fire.

Upon arrival, the Baltimore County Police Marine Unit was already on scene. The fire onboard the vessel bearing a registration # MD 6112 BE had been put out. The vessel was tied to a private dock and was taking on water. Bowley’s Quarters Volunteer Fire Department brought a pump to pump the water out of the vessel to keep it from sinking.

The registered owner of the vessel was on scene. Subject informed me that he sold the vessel to an individual prior to the incident occurring. After obtaining a witness statement from Subject, he left the scene. Subject sent me an image of the Bill of Sale (Bill of Sale) for the vessel. Subject also sent me a copy of a text message sent from the buyer of the vessel (Text Message #1 & #2)

On August 6th, 2020, I was able to get in contact with the person on the Bill of Sale. Subject2 told me that he only paid for half of the sale price and never had a title. Subject2 said that he was operating the boat on the water that day with 4 additional passengers when the vessel caught fire. On August 6th, 2020, I sent Subject2 an email with a Witness Statement Template for him to complete and return.


All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0095
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 237 Edgewater Drive, Edgewater
NearestCityorTown: Edgewater
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, August 23, 2020, at approximately 1421 hours, I was dispatched to the Discovery Village Boat Ramp for a report of a PWC operator that sustained an injury. MD NRP communications advised that Anne Arundel County EMS was en route to Discovery Village. I responded by land due to the PWCs meeting AA Co. EMS at the boat ramp, located at the address above.

    Upon my arrival to Discovery Village, at 1440 hours, I met with OPERATOR 1’s wife, and the OPERATOR 2. I observed two PWC's tied to the ramp's dock. Both PWCs were Honda Aquatrax R-12x and owned by OPERATOR 1. The PWC that OPERATOR 1 was operating, when he was injured, displayed Maryland registration 5025 BX. OPERATOR 2 advised that he was on the second PWC bearing Maryland registration 5024 BX. OPERATOR 1’s wife advised that she was not there when the accident occurred, but she did call EMS for OPERATOR 1 and met them at the boat ramp. She stated that OPERATOR 1 had severe lacerations to his left knee cap and was bleeding pretty heavily. When I asked OPERATOR 2 what he saw, he stated that he was ahead of OPERATOR 1 when the accident occurred and did not observe what happened. He only saw OPERATOR 1 in the water and attempting to get back on his PWC. By the time that I arrived, AA Co. EMS was leaving with the operator and was headed to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), located at 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, for further evaluation.

    I arrived at Anne Arundel Medical Center at approximately 1535 hours to meet with OPERATOR 1, and to obtain a voluntary witness statement. OPERATOR 1 advised that he was heading north on the South River between the Route 2 bridge and the Riva Bridge, just outside the speed zone, at approximately 30 kts, when he hit a wake that he didn't see. The closest land address was 237 Edgewater Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. He flipped over the PWC's handles bars, subsequently hitting his left knee on the handle bars causing two severe lacerations to his knee cap. Both OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2, made their way back on their respective PWCs to Discovery Village to meet with AA Co. EMS. OPERATOR 1 explained that there wasn't too much boat traffic, but the waves were bouncing around due to the narrow portion of the river. He did have his life jacket and safety kill switch engaged at the time of the accident.

    On Monday, August 24, 2020, I made contact with OPERATOR 1 to follow up on his status. He advised that he went into emergency surgery late Sunday evening due to internal bleeding behind his knee cap and a partially torn ligament. He explained that AAMC has him on strong medication to help alleviate the pain and should be released by Monday afternoon. He also said that he will be out of work for two to three months due to recovery and rehabilitation.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.

This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0096
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 44984 Lighthouse Rd, Piney Pt
NearestCityorTown: Piney Point
County: Saint Mary's
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 25th, 2020, at approximately 6:00 PM I responded to the Second District Volunteer Firehouse located at 45245 Drayden Rd, Valley Lee, MD 20692 for an injured subject from a personal watercraft accident.

On arrival, I made contact with the Chief and he advised the accident occurred off of Lighthouse Rd in the Potomac River. There were three persons on board at the time of the accident and all three had personal floatation devices on. The passenger they had on scene getting checked out by paramedics was PASSENGER 1. He advised the other two passengers were back onshore and they sustained minor injuries and refused further medical attention.

At approximately 6:30 PM PASSENGER 1 was flown to UM Prince Georges Hospital Center by Maryland State Police Trooper Seven. The paramedic advised PASSENGER 1 sustained injuries to the head, neck, hips, and legs. The most serious being in the head area.

At approximately 6:45 PM I arrived that the original caller’s (OPERATOR 1) address. OPERATOR 1 is the owner and operator of the (PWC) personal watercraft involved a BRP-Queretaro Sea-Doo RXT-X bearing Maryland registrations 5080 BR and hull identification # YDV58901C020. The PWC had no signs of physical damage.

OPERATOR 1 stated that around 5:00 PM himself, PASSENGER 1, and PASSENGER 2 got into his jet ski to take a ride. They were heading south away from his address when suddenly it felt as if the Jet Ski hit a wave or debris. The Jet Ski made a sharp turn pushing all three individuals off the seat into the water. When OPERATOR 1 resurfaced from the water he saw PASSENGER 1 face down not moving and unconscious. At this time he and PASSENGER 2 grabbed PASSENGER 1 and put her onto the Jet Ski to bring her back to shore. PASSENGER 2 stayed in the water at this time. On the ride back to shore OPERATOR 1 felt PASSENGER 1 moving and grabbing onto his arm. They arrived back onshore and PASSENGER 1 was conscious talking. OPERATOR 1 called 911 for assistance.

PASSENGER 2 recalled the same incident that OPERATOR 1 stated. She stated it felt as if the Jet Ski hit some sort of bump which caused it to make a sharp turn. PASSENGER 2 was brought back to shore via boat by two men who saw her swimming in the water.

Both PASSENGER 2 and OPERATOR 1 stated everyone on the PWC was wearing a life jacket and that OPERATOR 1 was the operator at the time of the accident. I performed a safety inspection of the PWC and all required safety equipment was on board.

At approximately 9:00 PM an officer went to UM Prince Georges Hospital Center to obtain a statement from PASSENGER 1.

All events occurred in St. Mary’s and Prince Georges Counties, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0097
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Isle of Wight-Harbor to Rt 90
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 12th at approximately 1430 hours the Maryland Natural Resources Police received a report of a boat accident with injury at the route 50 bridge in the Isle of Wight Bay Ocean City MD. Maryland Natural Resources Police got underway and responded to the area on NRP vessel 858. Ocean City Coast Guard small boat was on scene just north of the bridge with a PWC alongside with one occupant. The occupant later identified as OPERATOR 1 stated that he lost control of the PWC when the current overtook the vessel and he ran it into the Route 50 bridge. Coast Guard cleared once we had control of the PWC. 

OPERATOR 1 complained of a leg injury and a cut was visible on his leg. Officer 1 gave OPERATOR 1 a band aid to self administer. OPERATOR 1 declined EMS. Officer 2 asked OPERATOR 1 if he had been drinking that day and OPERATOR 1 stated that he had not. Officer 2 asked OPERATOR 1 if he had boaters insurance and if he would like the officers to contact a salvage company to tow him back to where he splashed his PWC. OPERATOR 1 stated that he put his PWC in at 52nd street. Officer 1 contacted Tow Boat US to give OPERATOR 1 assistance with a tow. Officer 2 asked OPERATOR 1 if he would be willing to submit to a field sobriety testing to which he agreed. Officer 1 moored NRP vessel 858 along with OPERATOR 1’s PWC at Harbor Island fuel Dock at 14th street Ocean City. 

Officer 2 conducted Field Sobriety Testing on OPERATOR 1. Field sobriety was negative. Officer 2 inspected the damaged PWC and identified a puncture inside the PWC with a large chunk of fiberglass missing from the bow and a strike on the port side. From the extent of the damage on the PWC, Officer 2 determined that OPERATOR 1 must have been operating his PWC over 6 knots when he struck the bridge. 

OPERATOR 1 receive a citation for operating his PWC over 6 knots within 100 feet of the Route 50 bridge. 

ALL EVENTS OCCURRED IN WORCESTER COUNTY


BARDID: MD-2020-0098
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-14 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Assawoman Bay, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/14/2020 at approximately 1340 hours Officer 1 and Officer 2 of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was on marked vessel patrol on NRP 154 in the Assawoman Bay near Jamestown Road when we received reports of a vessel in the area taking on water. We responded to the area searching for the vessel due to limited information on its location. While searching in the middle of the Assawoman Bay we observed a Sweetwater Pontoon vessel with multiple subjects onboard attempting to gain our attention. The vessel was traveling north when we maneuvered alongside of them. The vessel was bearing Delaware registration “DL 9113Z.” The vessel didn’t appear to be sitting low in the water or have any damage that resembled a vessel accident. I did observe a juvenile female sitting on the port side seat of the vessel with occupants all around her. One of the occupants stated they believed she had a broken pelvis. We advised the operator of the vessel to follow us in to port. We escorted the vessel to an empty lot on Blue Heron Court in Ocean City, Maryland to meet with EMS for the injured juvenile on the vessel. I advised DNR communications center of the situation and to contact Ocean City Fire and EMS for the relay point.

Upon arrival, Ocean City Fire and EMS was on location and assisted us with removing the juvenile who was later identified as Passenger 1. Ocean City Fire and EMS took over patient care and transported her via ground unit.

Officer 1 and Officer 2 gathered the operator’s and all occupants’ information, followed by written statements from the two male operators of the vessel. We confirmed there were no additional injuries and no one besides Passenger 1 needed medical attention. The operator during the incident was identified as Operator 1. Operator 1 is the father of Passenger 1. Operator 1 stated they were traveling south in the Assawoman Bay when they were approaching the Route 90 Bridge. Operator 1 stated he slowed the vessel down and a wave consumed the bow when the vessel came off plane. Operator 1 said victim was thrown into the floor when the bow of the vessel went under water. Passenger 1 stated she had a pre-existing leg injury. Operator 1 stated they thought at first they were taking on water after the bow went under water and wasn’t sure the extent of Passenger 1’s injuries. Operator 1 confirmed their vessel wasn’t involved in an accident, with another vessel, only the bow nosing diving into the water causing the stern to lift slightly out of the air.


I provided Operator 1 and the other adult occupants in the vessel my information and the case number for the vessel accident report before they left the scene. The vessel was a rental pontoon vessel from Rental Company 1 in Delaware. Employees from Rental Company 1 arrived on location and transported the pontoon vessel back to the marina.

Cleared without further incident.

All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0099
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, August 26th, 2020 at 1549 hours, Officer 1 of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was on marine patrol of Deep Creek Lake in the area of North Glade Cove aboard marked patrol vessel NRP 881.  I detected a radio transmission from the Garrett County 911 Center dispatching EMS to Deep Creek Lake in the area of the Lakeside Creamery for trauma resulting from a collision between a recreational vessel and a personal watercraft.  I arrived on scene at 1553 hours and was flagged down by the occupants of a red 2019 Brunswick Leisure Boat Company HCX23 displaying MD registration 5116 LB.  The vessel was secured in a dock slip on the shoreline at the Will O' The Wisp at 20160 Garrett Highway in Oakland, Garrett County, Maryland.

Upon making contact with the vessel, I identified the victim by self-provided information as Operator 1.  Operator 1 was bleeding from an abrasion to his right knee and a laceration to his left elbow and he advised that he believed he had broken his left collar bone.  I observed that there was a protrusion in the surface of Operator 1's left shoulder in the area of his collar bone.  Operator 1 advised that he had been "doing doughnuts" on a personal watercraft in the area of Rental Company 1 while his brother, attempted to video from a separate personal watercraft.  

Operator 1 explained that he had then idled briefly before he accelerated and turned without looking, losing control and running into the front of the pontoon vessel on which he was currently seated.  The occupants of the pontoon boat, had pulled Operator 1 onboard after the accident, provided him with ice, and attempted to clean him and control his bleeding.  Operator 1 advised that his father and brother were at Rental Company 1 where they had all rented personal watercraft.  EMS arrived on scene at 1556 hours and Ambulance 952 transported Operator 1 to Garrett Regional Medical Center for treatment.

I identified the operator of the pontoon vessel by Maryland driver's license as Operator 2.  I interviewed Operator 2 regarding the incident and he stated that he had been operating his vessel, which was rented from Lake Life Boat Rentals, between 15 and 20 mph southwest when Operator 1 abruptly turned across his bow from starboard.  

Operator 2 advised that he immediately reduced the throttle, but the port side of Operator 1's personal watercraft collided with the bow of Operator 2's pontoon boat and Operator 1 seemed to disappear under the bow of the vessel.  I observed that the front of the starboard pontoon of the vessel displayed a large dent where it was folded towards port and the center pontoon displayed an even larger dent that was also consistent with the impact of an object traveling towards the port side.  The aluminum panel on the starboard side of the bow boarding door was also dented and peeled loose from the frame.  
 
I asked Operator 2 if anyone onboard his vessel had consumed any alcohol and he responded that he had drank one beer.  Operator 2 voluntarily removed from a plastic trash bag a crushed beer can.  I observed no other alcohol on the vessel, I detected no odor of alcohol about Operator 2's person, and I observed no indicators of impairment from Operator 2's eyes, speech, or movements.  However, due to the severity of the accident and the suspected potential injuries involved, I inquired of Operator 2 if he would voluntarily submit to tests that would allow me to confirm that his operation of the vessel had not been impaired by alcohol.  Operator 2 voluntarily agreed to my request.  My preliminary breath test was not currently functioning due to high temperature and there was not a sufficient environment readily available to cool the device in an appropriate time frame.  I removed Operator 2 to a more private location on shore and administered the standardized field sobriety test of horizontal gaze nystagmus.  I observed no clues that would indicate any level of impairment from Operator 2's performance of the test.  Due to the unavailability of appropriate terrain and the lack of any clues detected from the voluntary horizontal gaze nystagmus standardized field sobriety test, no further tests were administered and we returned to Operator 2's family at the vessel.

I briefly interviewed Operator 2's wife and three children, further identified in this report, who corroborated Operator 2's account.  Operator 2 later declined to submit a voluntary written witness statement.  Rental Company 2 arrived on scene to inspect the rented vessel before transporting the family back to the rental facility by vehicle at their request and arranging to have her staff remove the vessel.  Rental Company 2 provided a preliminary damage estimate of $12,000.00.
At 1637 hours, I relocated to Rental Company 1 where rental staff had removed the involved personal watercraft to shore due to extensive damage allowing it to take on water.  The craft was identified as a yellow 2020 Yamaha EX1050C-V displaying partially visible MD registration 4809 LB.  I observed holes in the fiberglass on the port side of the craft and staff advised that the fuel tank had filled with water but was not actively leaking.  Staff further estimated that the vessel was a complete loss, with damages of $3,500.00.  The observable damage is further described in the photographs taken at the scene and attached to this report.

I interviewed a Rental Company 1 staff member regarding his observations of the accident.  He advised that Operator 1 had been "doing doughnuts" a short distance off of the rental docks while staff were processing the return Operator 1’s father's rented personal watercraft.  The staff member recalled Operator 1 idling briefly after he ceased "doing doughnuts" before he accelerated northeast and made a sharp turn, sliding left into the bow of a pontoon vessel.  The staff member stated that he had observed the operator of the pontoon vessel react, cutting the throttle upon seeing Operator 1's turn, but the staff member did not believe that there was enough time and distance for the operator to avoid Operator 1 due to the speed and direction of Operator 1's turn.  The staff member advised that he watched the occupants of the pontoon vessel lower the rear swim ladder and pull Operator 1 onboard before proceeding to locate a nearby dock.  The staff member later submitted a voluntary written witness statement on Saturday, August 29th, which is attached to this report and further details his observations.


BARDID: MD-2020-0100
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Paatapsco R-Excep main tributa
NearestCityorTown: Fort Howard
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday August 22nd at approximately 2130 hrs, Maryland Natural Resources Police received a call from my dispatch about a vessel collision in the vicinity of Old Road Bay with 7 persons on board and injuries were unknown at the time.
I activated my emergency lights and was underway on NRP879, leaving from the mouth of Middle River. While entering the Pleasure Island Channel I overheard United States Coast Guard (USCG) over channel 16 radio state everyone is okay and they are waiting on a tow. I continued to operate towards Old Road Bay when I witnessed a helicopter flying above the scene of the accident, USCG, and North Point Fire and EMS. I saw what appeared to be a white vessel, turned on its side, starboard (right) side in the water while the hull of the vessel remained on a concrete seawall that surrounds the outside of Fort Howard (pictures attached to report).  Once on scene I made contact with USCG to make sure everyone was okay. They advised me there were no injuries and 7 people onboard the vessel, just waiting for a tow and everything was handled. They also advised they could not operate their vessel close to the accident due to their policy of not being able to operate in less than a 4 foot draft. I asked them if they needed any help, they advised me they were just waiting for the tow boat and I informed them I would be back underway to Strawberry Point.
Once I was finished speaking with the USCG, North Point Fire and Rescue boat came over to advise me there were 7 people on board the vessel and one of the patrons was very adamant about operating the vessel home. Due to the state of the vessel, it was inoperable. I advised North Point Fire and Rescue I would remain on scene until tow arrived.
Tow arrived a couple minutes later, and I informed them I would make my way back to Strawberry Point if I was no longer needed. As I’m leaving Old Road Bay I hear over Channel 16 radio, there is an altercation and they are requesting me back to the scene of the accident. Baltimore County Police land units were also called.
When I returned to the scene, Fire and Rescue inform me that two of the patrons began verbally and then physically fighting, throwing punches and putting each other in a headlock. They also informed me, that the boat would not be towed under the circumstances of the patrons fighting. I then dock my vessel along the seawall of Fort Howard, as I approached the scene of the accident I witnessed two gentlemen, later identified as Passenger 1 and another subject, standing next to each other talking and what appeared to be “hugging it out”.
I walked to the bow of my vessel and proceeded to ask “what’s the problem here?” Both gentlemen informed me everything is fine and stated “we are brothers”. Due to the information that Fire and Rescue gave me, I decided to separate the parties. The two people (Passenger 2 & Passenger 1) who were closest to my vessel were asked where they came out of, which they stated Wilson Point Park and were asked to come onboard my vessel. 
Passenger 2 proceeded to come aboard my vessel right away. Passenger 3 began to yell at Passenger 1 again and after a few minutes, I was able to get Passenger 1 aboard my vessel as well. Both were asked if they had any guns, drugs on weapons on their person to which they stated no. I provided both persons with a PFD and a Volunteer with North Point Fire and Rescue asked if he could ride with me due to safety concerns. I told him yes, and he came aboard my vessel as well.
While en route back to Wilson Point Park, I asked both Passenger 2 and Passenger 1 if they knew the operator of the vessel. Both stated they did not know him and he was not at the scene of the accident once I arrived. They also informed me that the owner of the vessel was their boss and he was not operating at the time of the accident.
When we arrived at Wilson Point Park, I asked both Passenger 2 and Passenger 1 if they could fill out a NRP-425 Maryland Natural Resources Police Witness and Victim statement. (Attached to report)
While en route back to Strawberry Point I called US TOW and asked for the vessel owner's information. The owner was later identified as BOAT OWNER. An officer called BOAT OWNER and asked if we could drive to his residence to speak with him and have him fill out a NRP-425 Maryland Natural Resources Police Witness and Victim statement. (Attached to report). While speaking to BOAT OWNER he informed me he has only had this vessel for 7 weeks, this is his first time owning a boat, he is unfamiliar with the waterways and was uncomfortable operating at night.
An old co-worker of his, later identified as OPERATOR 1 was operating the vessel at the time of the wreck. BOAT OWNER told me they were leaving Hard Yacht Café, where he had a couple drinks, didn’t feel comfortable operating at night when OPERATOR 1 said he had the most boating experience and did felt comfortable operating the vessel at night.
When asked for the MD registration number of the vessel he handed me a folder with all the vessels paperwork. (All document photos attached to report) The vessel is a 2019, 31 foot Regulator with twin outboard 300 HP Yamaha motors, purchased in June of 2020 and had a temp registration stick on it, expiring this month of August 2020. Title paperwork shows MD reg 4769 CS.
While speaking to BOAT OWNER he informed me that before I arrived on scene, OPERATOR 1 was taken to the firehouse in Dundalk and picked up by his wife. BOAT OWNER told me when they hit the concrete seawall BOAT OWNER was ejected from the vessel and had no idea what body of water he was in. Stating “it was a scary experience, and glad no one was injured.” I asked him if he knew about how fast they may have been traveling. He said he didn’t look at the gauge to know exactly but probably around 40 knots.
On Monday August 24th, I went to the address of OPERATOR 1. I asked OPERATOR 1 to fill out an NRP-425 Maryland Natural Resources Police Witness and Victim statement. (Attached to report). OPERATOR 1 informed me that BOAT OWNER is a friend of his fathers and he saw him struggling with his vessel and asked if he needed help. OPERATOR 1 said he was trying to do a good deed and help BOAT OWNER out and get them back home. OPERATOR 1 informed me he had never operated BOAT OWNER’s boat before and they “had all these fancy lights on” that was messing with his vision. He informed me that Passenger 1 was helping him look for obstructions in the waterway, Passenger 1 said “coming up on land” and OPERATOR 1 said he slowed down to about 20 knots and turned the boat to the right but it was to late and they hit land. OPERATOR 1 informed me that the hit wasn’t that hard and when asked if anyone was ejected he said no, because the vessel was slanted to the right (the passengers in the boat fell overboard due to the tilt, not due to the force of the accident.)  OPERATOR 1 also told me after the accident happened, they had been there for about 30 mins and already talked to Fire and EMS and he left due to “things starting to get heated” while everyone was waiting on the seawall and he thought everything was taken care of and there was nothing else to do other than wait for the tow.
There were no injuries involved with the accident. 
All events occurred in Baltimore County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0102
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Thorofare Isle of Wight Bay-Oc
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Hull failure
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 22, 2020 I was at Atlantic General Hospital doing a follow up for a prior incident that occurred in Ocean City Maryland. While at Atlantic General Hospital a subject advised me that her son was there to be checked out, because he was thrown from a Personal Water Craft while riding in the Thorofare Isle of Wight Bay Ocean City Maryland.

The subject operating the PWC is identified as Operator 1. Operator 1 advised me that he was traveling West through the Thorofare Isle of Wight Bay when the PWC begin to slow down on its own, when Operator 1 gave the PWC a little more acceleration  the PWC made a hard turn to the left, and threw Operator 1 into the water. Operator 1 was able to get the vessel back to the area of Ocean Pines where the PWC is kept. Operator 1 advised me he was not injured, but his parent would feel better if he was checked out at the hospital.

The PWC MD 6635 CT is a black Yamaha with white registration letters and numbers. The PWC has a hole in the forward portside Hull. There was no other damage visible that could be seen. The father advised me that the PWC has been in his possession less than 90 days, so he is not sure what the cost could be and was not able to give a price amount for the damages. Operator 1 appears to be fine, and his parents seem to have the matter in control as far as dealing with the PWC repairs. All events occurred in Worcester County Maryland. A full investigation has been completed, and I request that this case be closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0103
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nanticoke River -Main Stem-Mou
NearestCityorTown: Nanticoke
County: Wicomico
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with floating object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 8-23-20 at 1533hrs units from the Maryland Resources Police were dispatched to the Nanticoke River just off of the Cedar Hill Marina in reference to an overturned vessel. Vessels from the West Side Volunteer Fire Department were also dispatched. While in route responding units were advised that the two people on the boat had been retrieved from the water by a Good Samaritan, and were not injured. Maryland Resources Police responded and arrived moments after the fire vessels. The vessel was floating upside down. The two occupants, Operator 1 (owner) and Operator 2 were on a good Samaritan's boat. After a few moments, it was decided that one of the two responding fire boats would connect a tow line to the bow of the overturned boat and tow it to the Cedar Hill Marina. Once the line was connected the tow was conducted. Approximately 1/2 mile before entering the marina, the fire vessels were successful in uprighting the vessel. It was then towed into the marina and tied to the dock at the boat ramp. The vessel was then turned over to the owner (Operator 1) who retrieved it.

Back at shore, writer interviewed the two occupants. They related the following. Operator 1 had bought the vessel within the last month. He had a minimal amount of boating experience, less than 40 hours. He and Operator 2 were taking the boat out for the first time. Operator 2 brought along a fishing rod. After putting the boat in the water they rode for a few minutes when they decided to stop so Operator 2 could fish. They dropped anchor and fished for a short period. They decided to move to another spot since they hadn't caught anything. When pulling the anchor, the anchor line became entangled in the motor prop. They tilted the motor up and started to remove the line from the prop. Both subjects were standing on the rear gunwale of the stern. This was allowing water to drain into the vessel and leak through a portal filling the hull of the vessel. When they realized this, it was to late, the vessel was unstable and as they attempted to move to the front, the vessel rolled over.

The vessel and motor are probably damaged beyond repair because of water damage.


BARDID: MD-2020-0104
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:44:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wicomico River(Charles Co)-Nea
NearestCityorTown: Cobb Island
County: Charles
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentCause1: Missing or inadequate navigation aids
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 30th, 2020 at approximately 10:44 am, Maryland Natural Resources Police was on routine patrol when I was dispatched to a boat accident in the area of Cobb Island in Neale Sound. Natural Resource Police Communications Center advised that a vessel struck a submerged object (broken red day marker pole # WR2/ Coordinates: N 38 degrees 16.141' W076 degrees 51.959'). I was advised that the vessel had made it safety back to Captain Charles Marina and that no injuries had been sustained.  

I arrived on scene at approximately 11:15 am. I met with the owner/operator of the vessel. Operator 1 advised that no personal injuries were sustained during the collision. Operator 1 stated that only property damage was sustained to the vessel during the collision. Operator 1 advised me that he was the only occupant on the vessel at the time of the collision. Operator 1 stated that he was leaving Neale Sound heading west towards the Wicomico River when he struck a partially submerged broken day marker pole. Operator 1 said that he was operating roughly 30 feet to the right of red nun buoy #WR2 when exiting Neale Sound. The red nun buoy was set there has a replacement for the broken day marker pole. He advised that he struck the marker causing damage underneath the vessel to the engine's lower unit (gearbox: propeller and skeg). 

Operator 1's vessel is a 26 foot white Sportcraft (year Built: 1990) bearing Maryland registration 5866AZ. Operator 1s vessel was last registered in 2018. He advised that he had just purchased the vessel and that he was testing it out. 

All events occurred in Charles County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0105
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:01:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Bridge-Co
NearestCityorTown: North Beach
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 15, 2020, at approximately 2008 hours, I, Officer, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to a call for a vessel in distress near Marker 83 in the main shipping channel of the Chesapeake Bay. DNR Communications notified all responding units that the vessel was en route to Herrington Harbor South with a victim that was in cardiac arrest. DNR Communications also advised that vessel occupants were performing CPR on the victim. I subsequently initiated a water response via an NRP patrol vessel, while other NRP Officers responded by land.

    Upon my arrival at Herrington Harbor South Marina, at about 2055 hours, located at 7149 Lake Shore Drive, North Beach Anne Arundel County 20714, I met with OFC., of the MD NRP, to get further details on the situation. The vessel was a 1987 33’ Trojan bearing Maryland registration 0533AR. Anne Arundel County EMS personnel were performing CPR on the victim. OFC. informed me that the victim had a prior heart condition and it was believed that he went into cardiac arrest while in the water.

     While EMS was performing CPR on the victim, I met with the owner of the vessel.  I asked Owner what happened. Owner explained that they were headed home to Rod N’ Reel Marina, located in Chesapeake Beach, from Lowe's Wharf, located in Sherwood, Calvert County, MD. The victim was operating the vessel near marker 83 in the shipping channel of the Chesapeake Bay. At about 1945 hours, Victim put the vessel in neutral and told Owner that he wanted to jump into the water to go to the bathroom. 

Owner explained that the wind was beginning to pick up and coming from the north-northeast at 10-20 mph. He stated that the waves were approximately two to three feet in height. While speaking with Owner, he showed me on his Garmin GPS where the vessel was when the incident occurred. The GPS coordinates were N 38 degrees 44.737’ and W 076 degrees 28.090’. .

When Victim jumped into the water the vessel began to drift further away from Victim due to the wind and waves. Owner explained that he took over control of the vessel and began to operate the vessel over to Victim. He had to make a complete circle to do so. When this happened, they noticed Victim was purple in the face. Victim’s son and subject subsequently jumped into the water, in an attempt to help assist Victim back to the boat. Owner stated they eventually got Victim onto the vessel's swim platform after struggling with the wind and the waves. Victim’s wife began to perform CPR.  Then they headed to Herrington Harbor South to meet Anne Arundel County fire and EMS personnel on-shore.

    As I finished speaking to Owner, at about 2115 hours, Anne Arundel County EMS began transporting Victim to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in Annapolis. The EMS run number was 202051512. Victim was transported to AAMC by the Fire Chief. At about 2140 hours, Cpl., of the MD NRP, met the transport at AAMC to gather patient status and a statement from the wife. I subsequently met with the six remaining individuals on the vessel and asked for voluntary written statements. Four of the six completed the statements.

I received a text from Cpl. who told me that the victim was pronounced deceased at approximately at 2145 hrs by Dr. and that she and ER staff were making notification.

I asked Victim’s wife about her husband's medical history and she told me that he has a history of "high cholesterol and mild blockages in his heart". Victim’s wife also stated that her husband was a "very good swimmer". I asked Victim’s wife about his alcohol consumption that day and she said, "He had several drinks" but she couldn't remember the amount. 


BARDID: MD-2020-0106
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Assawoman Bay
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Writer was dispatched to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, MD regarding a reported boat accident involving a PWC. Upon arrival I met with the operator of the PWC who had been treated for a fractured upper left humerus. Operator 1 advised she operating a rented PWC which she had rented from Rental Company 1. Operator 1’s daughter was the rear passenger on the PWC. They were part of a group of several rented PWCs. Operator 1 stated that she had never operated a PWC before. She took the required test at the rental establishment and felt she could safely operate the vessel. After being on water for about 30 minutes she felt pretty comfortable. The water was somewhat calm with the exception of wake from other PWCs and vessels. As the PWC she was operating encountered some of this wake, she and her daughter were thrown into the water.  She immediately felt pain in her upper left arm. Her daughter was not injured. Once back on shore she felt that she should have her injury checked. She was driven by personal vehicle to Atlantic General. Once there and X-ray indicated a fracture to the upper left humerus.

This occurred on the Assawomen Bay just off of 50th Street, Ocean City, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0107
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Isle of Wight Bay Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 3, 2020 I responded to the Isle Of Wight Bay near buoy 13 in reference to a boating emergency.  I learned via radio that a 24 foot Chaparral boat had struck an object in the water, and now the vessel was taking on water.  Upon arrival I located the vessel anchored at the following coordinates N38 22.169,W75 05.367.  The vessel is further described as a 2006 Chaparral SSI Pennsylvania registration 1171CX, with six souls on board.  All subjects on the vessel were wearing type I life jackets, and the bilge pump was able to keep up, and prevent the boat from taking on enough water to sink the vessel.  I made contact with the operator of the vessel identified as Operator 1 who stated the following.
    Operator 1 stated that he was traveling south on the Isle Of Wight bay at approximately 25 knots.  Operator 1 stated his intention was to enter the marked channel on the east side of the Isle Of Wight Bay.  Operator 1 stated that he was unfamiliar with the water ways in the Ocean City area and he took a course to the west side of buoy 13, not knowing the channel was to the east side of buoy 13.  Operator 1 stated that this caused the vessel to strike an object that was submerged which I suspected to be a pipe.  Operator 1 stated that the impact from striking the submerged object caused the outdrive to become dislodged from the motor rendering the vessel without power.  Also since the watertight seal between the outdrive and motor was comprised, the vessel began to take on water. The water entering the bilge was removed by the bilge pump which allowed the vessel to stay afloat.  Operator 1 was able to have everyone on the vessel put on a life jacket.  Operator 1 was able to throw the anchor which set and kept the vessel in place.
    Operator 1 stated that he has been operating vessels for over 100 hours but less then 500 hours in his lifetime.  Operator 1 stated that he did look up the weather and tides prior to disembarking but did not check any navigational charts.   The weather was described as an ambient air temperature of 88 degrees with a water temperature of 76 degrees.  The winds were out of the south at 10-15 MPH, which caused a moderate chop.  The boat traffic was light.  This occurred during the daytime under clear sky's with ample visibility.
    Since the vessel was only sitting in four feet of water, and was a heavy vessel taking on water I opted not to tow the vessel, especially since Sea Tow had less then an hour ETA.  I remained alongside the vessel just in case the bilge pump failed and I needed to egress the subjects from their vessel to mine.  Sea Tow arrived and was able to successfully tow the boat into a boat ramp located at fifty second street.  Once the vessel was removed from the water I was able to observe the damage to the vessel.  The outdrive was severed from the motor at the gimble joint, and the water tight seal was non existent.  A mechanic estimated the damage to be approximately $7000.00.   
    There were five following subjects were on the vessel all standing in the open air portion of the boat.  None of the subjects on the boat were injured or needed any medical attention.  
    The 2006 Chaparral SSi 24 foot was equipped with a 250 horsepower mercury engine which was original to the vessel.  The vessel was equppied with a total of 12 life jackets, 2 B1 fire extinguishers and a fire suppression system.  The vessel also had the all the required safety equipment.
    The cause for the collision was due to failure to keep a proper lookout and lack of preparation on the operators behalf.  I did not issue any citations due the fact that no one was injured, and the monetary loss to the vessel would out weigh and punitive action taken.  However I did discuss with the operator Operator 1 steps that he needed to take in the future to prevent another collision.  
    All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0108
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:09:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 48 South River Rd
NearestCityorTown: Edgewater
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, September 5th, 2020, at approximately 1100 hours, I received a call from the owner of a rental company. The call was in regards to a boating accident involving two of his rental PWCs. The accident occurred between 0900 and 1000 hours, during the rental agreement time slot for the involved party. The accident occurred on the South River, in Anne Arundel County, just outside of the 6 knot zone located east of the Rt. 2 bridge. The collision involved property damage only.
The operators and PWCs involved are listed below:

        PWC 1: MD3299LB ( 2006 Yamaha VX110, red and black) - Operated by OPERATOR 1
        PWC 2: HIN: YAMA2201A919 (2019 Yamaha VX-C, yellow and white, not registered through Maryland), Operated by OPERATOR 2

Upon further investigation, RENTAL COMPANY OWNER advised that OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 told him they were outside of the 6 knot zone with the rental guide and 5 other individuals in the party. RENTAL COMPANY OWNER explained that OPERATOR 2's PWC was going around 25 mph when it struck OPERATOR 1's PWC, that was going around 10 mph. OPERATOR 2's bow of the PWC hit OPERATOR 1's starboard transom, subsequently causing severe fiberglass damage to the PWC (Pictures provided in attachments). Both PWCs returned to the rental location. At the time of the collision there was medium traffic, clear conditions, with light northwest winds. The rental guide did not see the collision occur. Both subjects were wearing their type III PFDs and no injuries occurred. The collision was a result of operator inexperience and inattention. 

RENTAL COMPANY OWNER provided me with the insurance information for both of his rental PWCs. RENTAL COMPANY OWNER has since dropped off the damaged PWC to a repair shop to get an estimate on the damage. RENTAL COMPANY OWNER explained that through his experience with repairs, he estimates the damage cost to be around $2500.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD. 
This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0109
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sinepuxent Bay, Belin
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/26/2020 at approximately 1440 hours Officer 1 and 2 of the Maryland Natural Resources Police were dispatched to a PWC accident with injury, North of the Verazzano Bridge in the Sinepuxent Bay. We made ready NRP vessel 858 and responded to the Assateague boat ramp to pick up Berlin Fire and EMS personnel. After picking up EMS personnel and their medical supplies we responded to the incident location.

Upon arrival, I observed a female subject later identified as OPERATOR 1, in the water being held up by a male subject, later identified as OPERATOR 2. Both subjects were wearing their PFD’s and appeared to be floating in the water. We told OPERATOR 2 to stand up because he was only in 3.5 feet of water. OPERATOR 2 was able to stand up and hold OPERATOR 1, who was complaining of pain near her pelvis and leg, in a more secure position. EMS personnel jumped in the water and began patient care. I observed white and green PWCs and a subject in an orange vest, indicating this was a rental operation. I signaled for the guide to come to my location. When the guide maneuvered alongside my vessel, I asked what company he was associated with and he stated Rental Company 1. The guide also had two juvenile males on his vessel and they advised they were involved in the accident as well. I told the guide, I needed the information and registration for the PWCs that were involved in the accident. I told him to meet me at the Assateague boat ramp with the PWC information and the juvenile passengers. At that time, a second guide from the rental company arrived on location and assisted Berlin EMS with patient care. That guide later stated he worked with Ocean City Fire and EMS.

Berlin EMS personnel finished back-boarding OPERATOR 1 and brought her over to our vessel. We assisted them with getting her into our vessel and safely securing her to the bow. OPERATOR 2 also climbed aboard my vessel since his PWC was damaged in the accident. We relayed OPERATOR 1, EMS personnel, and the second rental guide to the Assateague Island boat ramp and assisted them with getting her from our vessel to the stretcher on the dock. EMS personnel transported OPERATOR 1 to a nearby landing zone where MSP aviation was standing by. OPERATOR 1 was flown to PRMC in Salisbury, Maryland for her injuries.

A few minutes went by and the guide met me at the Assateague Island boat ramp and provided me with the information I requested. The two juvenile boys boarded my vessel and I began taking everyone’s statement since OPERATOR 2 was the father to one juvenile and custodian to the other. OPERATOR 2 stated his son and him were on a PWC together and was traveling east on the water at a “cruising” speed and made a 180 degree turn to his starboard side. OPERATOR 2 stated after he made the turn he observed OPERATOR 1 and the other juvenile approaching them head-on at a high rate of speed. OPERATOR 2 stated he wasn’t able to take any corrective actions and OPERATOR 1 struck his PWC head-on. OPERATOR 2 stated he fell in the water, then immediately went over to OPERATOR 1 when he observed her floating in the water. The juvenile on OPERATOR 1’s PWC stated she was operating and he was able to jump off before the collision. The same juvenile stated they were “going at least 35-40 MPH.” The same juvenile stated they were operating PWC “#3” and OPERATOR 2 confirmed he was on PWC “#2.” PWC #3 displayed Maryland registration “MD 4622 LB” and PWC #2 displayed Maryland registration “MD 4620 LB.”

After obtaining OPERATOR 2 and the juveniles’ statements, I secured everyone on my vessel and responded across the Sinepuxent Bay to the location of the damaged PWCs. Both PWCs had major bow damage and would have to be removed by the PWC rental company. The guide from the rental company pulled the PWCs up further on the beach area to secure them until they could be removed. He climbed back aboard my vessel and we started back to drop off OPERATOR 2, the juveniles, and the guide.
Once we arrived at Rental Company 1, I told OPERATOR 2 I would be in touch with the report number for him and OPERATOR 1. Once everyone was off of my vessel I cleared that location and returned to service.

On 08/30/2020 at approximately 1300 hours I responded to Rental Company 1 to get insurance information and damage estimates on the PWCs. The manager on duty stated she would gather the information and call me with it later that day. A short time later the manager called me and stated PWC #3 was a total loss and would cost approximately $9,000 to replace and PWC #2 would cost approximately $3,500 to fix.

Cleared without further incident.

All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0110
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:33:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River- Chase Creek
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 6, 2020 Officer 1 was notified by Department of Natural Resources Police Communication Center of a boat accident that occurred in the Severn River. Passenger 1 was transported to Anne Arundel Medical Center by EMS. I responded to Anne Arundel Medical Center to meet with Passenger 1 who was receiving medical attention for a lower back injury. I asked Passenger 1 what happened and she advised that she was out crabbing with Owner 1 in the Severn River and the vessel hit a wake causing her to land wrong and injure her back. Passenger 1 advised she was at the front of the vessel at the time this incident occurred. I spoke with Owner 1 also and was advised of the same information.

On September 7, 2020 I spoke with Passenger 1 and was advised that she is doing ok.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County Md.


BARDID: MD-2020-0112
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake-Turkey Neck
NearestCityorTown: Swanton
County: Garretta
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/07/20, at approximately 1910 hours, I was dispatched to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland in reference to a person with an arm injury from a boat accident that occurred on Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.  I arrived at the hospital at 1940 hours and met with the victim, Tuber 1, and his girlfriend.  Tuber 1 was getting his shoulder set back in place due to dislocation. Tuber 1’s girlfriend provided information on the events that occurred.  Tuber 1’s girlfriend stated that Tuber 1 was on the tube with two others, near Turkey Neck on Deep Creek Lake.  Tuber 1 was on the left side of the tube when they hit a wake causing him to hold onto the tube and later falling off.  Tuber 1’s girlfriend stated that his shoulder probably dislocated from him holding on to the tube when he should have let go.  Tuber 1’s girlfriend stated they went back to the dock and asked Tuber 1 if he was feeling alright and noticed his shoulder did not look right and he had pain in it.  She took him to Garrett Regional Medical Center where they learned that his shoulder was dislocated.  

Also on board, the vessel was Operator 1 and four other passengers.  Based on the statements given, I have concluded that this accident was caused by the wake on the water with no negligence.  No citations or warnings were issued to the operator (Operator 1).

All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0113
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 5657 South Hawthorne Ave
NearestCityorTown: Rock Hall
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/29/2020 at approximately 10:40 AM, I received a call from the DNR communication center about a boat accident that took place in Rock Hall harbor.

After arriving on Scene I spoke to a marina employee at the Rock Hall landing Marina at where the accident occurred. The employee stated that earlier that morning around 9:00 Am a sailboat at the end of the floating transient dock was departing and struck the corner of the dock causing damage. I asked the employee to show me the damaged section of dock. At the end of the floating dock several boards were removed and large wooden structural beams that hold the corner of the dock together that were broken and out of place. The rub rail was also damaged along with cleats and metal brackets that held the wood together.
I asked the employee if he observed the accident. He stated he did not but that the operator of the vessel did call the marina after the accident occurred and explained to them what happened. I did receive one written statement from a witness that partially observed the accident, a boat owner was docked in the next slip over from where the accident took place. He stated that he was inside his vessel and heard a loud noise outside. He then came outside his vessel and observed a boat up against the dock and the captain was struggling to gain control. The boat struck the dock again then took off clipping the red channel marker #14 while exiting the harbor. I looked over at the channel marker which was close by and did not observe any damage.
I then went to the marina office and received a copy of the transient slip reservation with the information on the operator and vessel. The vessel was a 2019 Dufour 43ft 430GL Sailboat named "SLOWDOWN" (HIN DUFH0121C919 , USCG Documented #1294205)  that is owned a yacht charter company. The vessel was being rented and operated by Operator 1. 
I then called and spoke to Operator 1 about the incident. Operator 1 stated that he was renting the vessel and on that morning at approximately 9:00 AM he was attempting to depart the dock at the Rock Hall Landing Marina. The wind which was coming from the west at 18 knots, was pushing the boat against the dock. He attempted to use his bow thrusters and main motor to maneuver away from the dock but was unsuccessful due to the wind. He then tried to back up some towards the corner of the dock to push away again, the wind pushed and turned his vessel around hitting the corner of the dock and causing the damage I had seen earlier. He called the marina office to exchange information to resolve the issue. Operator 1 had already sailed across the bay towards Annapolis and had docked the vessel before I spoke with him and had already exchanged insurance information with the company who owns the vessel.

Operator 1 and the Rock Hall Landing Marina both stated they will be contacting their respective insurance providers to resolve the damage.
This event took place in Kent County Md.


BARDID: MD-2020-0114
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 605 2nd Street Chesapeake City
NearestCityorTown: Chesapeake City
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Sunday, August 30, 2020 at approximately 1338 hours I received a call about a vessel accident in the area of the C & D Canal near the Chesapeake Inn.

Upon arrival, I met with the victim, Passenger 1 who was being attended to by EMS personnel and her husband, Operator 1 who told me that at roughly 1300 hours while they were underway they unexpectedly encountered two large wakes or waves.

Operator 1 stated that they were travelling about 20 – 25 knots at the time.  He added he underestimated the size of the wave/wake.
Passenger 1 was seated in the bow of the vessel on the starboard side. When the vessel struck the large wakes or waves, Passenger 1 was sent airborne roughly two feet into the air landing back on her seat in the seated position.

Passenger 1 complained of lower back pain and said she was limited in her mobility. EMS transported her to Union Hospital for spinal compression.

All events occurred in Cecil County.

The case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0115
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1575 Fairview Beach Rd
NearestCityorTown: Pasadena
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 08/30/20, at approximately 10:25 am, I was contacted by DNR Communications about a boat accident at Fairview Marina (1575 Fairview Beach Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122). The complainant advised that an approximately 22ft, white vessel with a Yamaha motor and blue cover struck a 48 ft Sundancer. The complainant was concerned that the operator of the striking vessel might be under the influence of alcohol.  

At approximately 10:39 am, I arrived at the scene with a Sergeant on a marked patrol boat. I made contact with the operator of the striking vessel (MD 1824DC), later identified Operator 1 and his passenger. Operator 1 stated that he was crabbing in the area of Wall Cove, Rock Creek. While he was operating the vessel, he observed that a crab got loose. He left the steering wheel of the boat to retrieve the crab. The vessel was still in gear and, according to Operator 1, traveling at approximately 6 knots per hour. Passenger 1 was on the starboard side of the boat near the stern. While trying to retrieve the crab, a gust of wind pushed his boat into a piling at the marina and into a 48ft Sundancer's port side. The second vessel is a documented vessel with the United States Coast Guard. The name of the boat is "Journey Begins" with a hailing port of Pasadena, MD. No one was onboard the Sundancer during the collision.   

While speaking with Operator 1, I observed that his eyes were glassy. I asked Operator 1 if he would be willing to take a field sobriety test. Operator 1 agreed, and I instructed him to leave his vessel. We walked approximately twenty-five feet to the parking lot. I did not observe Operator 1 stagger or walk in a manner that would suggest intoxication. I did not detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage from Operator 1. Operator 1 advised that he does not wear glasses or contacts. He stated that he has not experienced head trauma recently or has medical issues with his eyes. I administered Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. I detected zero clues. Based on these observations, I determined that Operator 1 was not under the influence of alcohol.

Operator 1 went back to the boat, and I conducted a safety equipment check. Operator 1 did not have a boater safety card or a Type IV throwable PFD in his possession. After the inspection, I took pictures of the damage on the boat (see attached). I observed that the anchor roller and the pulpit were bent, and there was a gash in the rub rail on the starboard side. After I took pictures, Operator 1 and Passenger 1 agreed to write a written statement detailing the accident. Both statements matched the verbal statement that Operator 1 made when I first made contact. During this time, the vessel owner arrived at the marina. The owner stated that the damage to the boat was approximately $800. The owner does not have boat insurance. I advised Operator 1 and Passenger 1 that they were free to go but that I would meet with Operator 1 later to issue citations.   

I then made contact with another witness. This witness advised that he would give a verbal statement but would not provide a written statement. The witness observed the accident from his boat at Fairview Marina. His account of the accident is similar to Operator 1's, but he advised that Operator 1 was traveling approximately 10 knots per hour.

I spoke with a manager at the marina. The manager advised that the damage to the piling was about $2500. I took pictures of the piling (see attached). I observed a gash surround by a blue scuff mark from the boat that Operator 1 was operating on the piling. I also observed that the piling was loose. The manager advised this was from the collision with Operator 1.

I then spoke with the Sundancer owners. The owners advised that they were at home during the time of the accident. The Sundancer owner boarded our patrol vessel to observe damage to his boat. The owner pointed to damage to the fiberglass and the rub rail. I took pictures of the damage. The owner advised that Fairview Marina would repair the vessel. The owner suggested that repairs would cost approximately $700.

At approximately 12:30 pm, officers met the complainant and he provided a written statement. Complainant advised that Operator 1 left the wheel while the boat was still in gear. He reported that Operator 1 was traveling about 25 knots per hour.

At approximately 04:30 pm, I met with Operator 1. Operator 1 advised that he was negligent, leaving the vessel unmanned to retrieve the crab. He also stated that it wasn't the wind that caused the collision. He believes that the crash was caused because he was standing on the starboard side with Passenger 1. The weight on the starboard side of the vessel changed the course of direction. Operator 1 was issued citations for the following:

8.18.01.05 B : Negligent Operation of a Vessel (MAX 1st/500; 2nd/1000 and/or 1 year )
8.18.01.04: Failure to Obey Navigation Rules Rule #5 Failure to Maintain Proper Lookout (MAX 1st/500; 2nd/1000 and/or 1 year)
8.18.01.04: Failure to Obey Navigation Rules Rule #6 Proceed at a Safe Speed to Avoid Collision (MAX 1st/500; 2nd/1000 and/or 1 year)
08.18.04.03: Failure to Have Required Safety Equipment Type IV Throwable PFD (MAX 1st/500; 2nd/1000 and/or 1 year)
NR 8-712.2(a)(2)(i) Failure to Possess Certificate of Boating Safety Education while operating a vessel (MAX 1st/25; 2nd/500)
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. I recommend that this case be closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0116
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:10:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hart Miller Island
NearestCityorTown: Edgemere
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, August 1, 2020 at approximately 1711 hours, I Officer of the Maryland Natural Resources Police were dispatched to a report of vessel in distress at Hart-Miller Island. Officer and myself responded onboard patrol vessel NRP-851. Corporal also responded on board patrol vessel NRP-892.

Upon arrival Baltimore County Police Marine Unit as well as Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire were on scene. Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire removed one unresponsive subject from the water, who was later transported to the hospital. One uninjured passenger of the vessel was left onboard.

On August 1, 2020 at approximately 1715 hrs. I, Cpl., was notified by Capt. (S.O.D Duty Officer) of a missing person from a vessel, in the area of Hart Miller Island. While en route to the scene, I was notified that the missing subject had been recovered from the water and EMS personnel were performing CPR. EMS advised that the victim was going to be transported to Bayview Medical Center. 

The victim had been fishing with his friend in a 14’ aluminum vessel, near Hart Miller Island. Subject1 stated that he had gotten out of the vessel to urinate. When Subject1 attempted to pull himself back into the boat, “it tipped and filled with water”. Both occupants were now in the water. 

Subject1 stated that Victim was clinging to a PFD bag and began “swimming around”. Subject1 yelled to Victim to swim towards shore. When Subject1 made it to shore, he had lost sight of Victim and he began searching.  Subject1 stated that other boaters began searching and a “Good Samaritan” called 911. I arrived at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and met with Emergency Room staff. 

Subject1 said that the victim frequently spent weekends with Subject1 and his wife at their Sparrows Point residence. Victim had starting consuming beer at approximately 0800 hrs and continued to drink thru the day. Subject1 said that they had decided to go fishing around 1400 hrs. 

Subject1 said that they decided to heads towards Hart-Miller Island and fish near the jetty, approximately 100 yards from shore. While they were fishing, Subject1 stated that he had gotten out of the boat to urinate and when he was finished, he attempted to pull himself back into the boat. Subject1 grabbed the PVC railing above the gunnel (starboard side) and the vessel began to list. 

Water conditions had deteriorated during the day and waves were becoming increasingly larger. Subject1 said that when he tried to pull himself into the boat, a wave "swamped" the vessel and both he and Victim had to exit the boat. Subject1 said that Victim grabbed a clear PFD bag containing several life-jackets and attempted to swim. 

Subject1 said that he yelled to Victim to just stand up (water depth was 4'-5') but Victim continued to swim. Subject1 continued and said that he grabbed the line that was connected to the bow of the boat and was attempting to pull it closer to shore but was unable due to the weight. Subject1 said he continued in towards shore where he was met by several "Good Samaritans" who had collected items from the swamped boat. This is when he noticed that Victim was unaccounted and he and the "Good Samaritans" began searching and 911 was contacted.

Approximately 1 hour later, Victim was recovered from the water by volunteer fire department personnel.


BARDID: MD-2020-0117
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-08-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 143rd Street, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On August 28, 2020 at approximately 1830 hours, I was dispatched to a rental company in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland in reference to a property damage personal watercraft (PWC) accident.

Upon my arrival, I met with both operators and determined that they were both 16 years of age, and their parents were not on scene.  I obtained their identification from them and went to meet with the owner of the livery operation.  He advised me that the two PWC's had collided in a head on fashion, with one "launching" over the other.  He identified the two PWC's as 2019 SeaDoo PWC's bearing Delaware registrations 601AR and 805AL.  I observed extensive cracking and damage to the bow area of the PWC bearing registration 601AR, and minor damage to the other.  

I obtained the information necessary for reporting and issued no violations.  All of the above events occurred in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0118
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:01:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: Corsica River, Fort Point Cent
NearestCityorTown: Centreville
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 5th, 2020, at approximately 1600 hours, I responded to a call in reference to a vessel accident that occurred on the Corsica River in the area of Red Buoy #8. Dispatch advised the patient was being transported to Centerville Wharf by another vessel, where I headed to make contact with them.
 

At approximately 1615 hours, I arrived on the scene at Centerville Wharf, where I made contact with EMS personnel. The patient was already in the back of the ambulance and unconscious. EMS did not have any info at the time and was getting ready to transport Victim to a landing zone so she could be transferred to a Maryland State Police helicopter to be flown to the hospital.
 

At approximately 1630 hours, the vessel that was involved in the incident arrived at Centerville wharf and docked in the boat ramp.  I made contact with the occupants and assisted in securing up the vessel. Operator stated he was the operator of the vessel during the accident and operated it back into the dock. Operator and the other two occupants all identified by their driver's license filled out witness statements.  began to take photographs of the vessel while still in the water to document everything.
 

Operator advised me that he was operating the vessel at about top speed about (30 MPH) heading up the Corsica River to return back to Centerville Wharf and pull the vessel out of the water. In the area of Red Buoy #8, Operator advised that the vessel suddenly slowed down at a significant rate and this caused Victim to be thrown over the bow of the vessel. The vessel continued moving forward and ran over Victim. 

Operator turned the vessel around and didn't see Victim for a second, and then saw just her backside emerge above water. Operator got closer and then jumped in the water and carried Victim over to the vessel's stern and began giving chest compressions while Occupant1 held a towel to Victim's head to try and stop the bleeding. At this time, an off duty paramedic pulled up on a dingy. Victim was placed in the dingy and taken to Centerville Wharf. Queen Anne's County EMS units were waiting at the wharf and took over the care of Victim.  Operator stated that he had not been drinking, and I had no indications of impairment.    
 

Occupant2 advised that she was seated on the port side bow seat as they were coming back to the boat ramp at a high rate of speed and hit bottom. Victim was standing next to the operator's seat in the middle of the vessel, and she was thrown over the bow and off the boat. Victim was under the water for approximately 30 seconds and then saw Victim's backside emerge above water. Operator jumped in and carried Victim to the vessel's stern. Occupant2 then called 911 while Occupant1 held a towel to Victim's head, and Operator started chest compressions. At this time, another vessel going by was flagged down. A nurse on the back of that vessel began to give instructions to assist with first aid until an off duty paramedic arrived on scene and took Victim into Centerville Wharf on a dingy.
 

Occupant1 advised that she was seated on the Starboard side bow seat as the vessel was headed back up the river at a high rate of speed and hit bottom. Victim was thrown from the middle of the vessel next to the operator over the vessel's bow, and the vessel went over top of her. Operator turned the vessel around and saw the victims back just above water. Operator then jumped into the water and carried Victim to the vessels stern. Occupant1 held a towel to Victim's head to try and stop the bleeding while Operator gave chest compressions. No water came out, but the victim made a gurgling sound. Another vessel was flagged down, and a nurse on board began to give instructions to assist in first aid until and off duty paramedic arrived on scene and transported Victim to Centerville Wharf.

All subjects advised that Victim was standing next to the operators seat in between the two windshields on the vessel before the accident.
 

After getting the statements, Operator pulled the vessel out of the water and placed it on its trailer. I inspected the bottom of the vessel and the motor. There was some damage to the prop and lower unit. Operator believed the prop damage was from a week or two prior when they pulled the vessel out and forgot to raise the motor up all the way. I observed some damage to the lower unit and based on its appearance and the fact that I could still see the grain structure that made up the metal and it had not been worn down by the force of water yet, this damage appeared to have been recent damage. Operator could not advise of when the damage happened.  (See attached pictures).
 

All events occurred in Queen Anne's County, Maryland. At this time, the investigation has been handed over to S.O.D investigations. All timestamps from my camera are off by one hour. All times should read one hour later than they show on the photographs


BARDID: MD-2020-0119
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay/Mouth of the So
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Restricted vision
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/06/20 at approximately 6:03 P.M., I received a call regarding a boating accident that occurred between two vessels in the area of Thomas Point in Annapolis. 

I contacted the reporting party, who would be identified as OPERATOR 1. OPERATOR 1 stated that at around 5:50 P.M., he, along with two friends, were aboard his vessel, (18' Wellcraft, white in color, bearing MD registration 9098DB) trolling at the mouth of the South River off of Thomas Point. 

OPERATOR 1 stated that as he was leaving the South River, he observed a large vessel (I later identified as VESSEL 2, blue and white in color, around the Thomas Point Lighthouse and head in his direction. OPERATOR 1 stated that he then turned his vessel 180 degrees starboard and proceeded trolling back into the mouth of the South River at an approximate speed of 1-3 knots. OPERATOR 1 stated that as he was continuing into the South River, he glanced back, and observed the VESSEL 2 getting closer and continuing to head in his direction. 

OPERATOR 1 stated that as the VESSEL 2 continued to get closer, he thought it would eventually turn to the right, but it instead turned to the left. It was at this time that OPERATOR 1 and passengers all yelled as they thought they were about to be hit. OPERATOR 1 stated that their yelling had no effect, and within a matter of seconds, the VESSEL 2 struck the starboard stern of the VESSEL 1.

 It should be noted that the VESSEL 1 was equipped with a starboard side console, which is where OPERATOR 1 was positioned. OPERATOR 1 stated that right before impact, he moved to the opposite side of the VESSEL 1. OPERATOR 1 believed the VESSEL 2 would have hit him had he not repositioned himself. Furthermore, OPERATOR 1 stated that Passenger 1 was standing on the starboard stern of the VESSEL 1 at the time of impact, and his left arm was struck by the VESSEL 2. 

OPERATOR 1 stated that Passenger 1 was not seriously injured but did complain of arm soreness. Passenger 1 did not seek any medical attention. OPERATOR 1 stated that VESSEL 2 never slowed down during the impact but rather proceeded to travel approximately 100 yards before turning around. OPERATOR 1 estimated that the VESSEL 2 was traveling at about 20 knots. OPERATOR 1 stated that once the VESSEL 2 got closer, he yelled to the operator, later identified as OPERATOR 2. OPERATOR 1 asked if he (OPERATOR 2) was okay. OPERATOR 1 stated that OPERATOR 2 acted strange and never answered his question but rather stated that the sun was in his eyes as he entered the South River. OPERATOR 1 stated that OPERATOR 2 gave him his cell phone number and then left the scene.
        VESSEL 1 sustained significant fiberglass damage as a result of the accident. The top of the gunwale, on the starboard side, back to the stern, sustained significant fiberglass gouging as well as paint transfer from the VESSEL 2. Furthermore, the stern light on the VESSEL 1 was bent over and damaged. OPERATOR 1 also advised that one of his fishing rods, which was in the rod holder on the starboard side, was damaged as a result of the accident. It appeared based on the damage that the VESSEL 2 rode on top of the VESSEL 1's starboard gunwale after it made impact with it.
        I then contacted OPERATOR 2 via his cell phone and made arrangements to meet him at his residence. OPERATOR 2 stated that around 5:49 P.M., he and his wife were traveling back from Swan Creek when he began to round Thomas Point Lighthouse and head towards the mouth of the South River. OPERATOR 2 stated that he was at the helm while his wife was down in the cabin area. OPERATOR 2 stated that as soon as he rounded Thomas Point Lighthouse, the sun was right in his eyes. OPERATOR 2 stated that he was traveling approximately 10-15 knots, heading into the mouth of the South River, when he felt a slight bump on the port side of his VESSEL 2. OPERATOR 2 stated that he turned around after feeling the bump and observed the VESSEL 1 directly behind him. OPERATOR 2 stated that he asked OPERATOR 1 if anyone was injured or if there was any damage to the VESSEL 1, but according to OPERATOR 2, OPERATOR 1 advised "no." OPERATOR 2 stated that it was his idea to exchange information and he provided OPERATOR 1 with his cell phone number. I asked OPERATOR 2 if he had consumed any alcohol prior to the accident, to which he said "no." It should be noted that I didn't smell any alcohol on OPERATOR 2's person, nor did he exhibit any signs of impairment.   
        I asked OPERATOR 2 if his VESSEL 2 sustained any significant damage, to which he responded "no." I observed a black scratch on the port side of the VESSEL 2 at about mid-ship, closer to the waterline. I described the damage that the VESSEL 1 sustained and advised OPERATOR 2 that he may want to have his VESSEL 2 pulled out of the water so he could have the bottom inspected. OPERATOR 2 maintained that he was traveling only 10-15 knots and didn't know VESSEL 1 was there until he heard the bump. 
        I issued OPERATOR 2 one citation for the following:
        08.18.01.04: Failure to Obey Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road). I referenced Rule 5 of the U.S. Coast Guard Inland Steering and Sailing Rules, which requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing to avoid a collision. 
        08.18.01.04 carries a pre-payable fine of $85 with a maximum penalty of $500 for a first offense and $1000 and/or 1 year of imprisonment for a second offense. 
        The accident resulted in property damage only.
        This case is closed, and all events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0121
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:27:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: South River Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday August 25, 2020 at approximately 1:58 PM, I, Cpl. with Natural Resources Police (NRP) Criminal Investigations, responded to the mouth of the South River near Turkey Point in Anne Arundel County for reports of a boating accident.  Anne Arundel County was reporting a 41 ft. vessel collided with a 16 ft. vessel, ejecting two people from the 16 ft. vessel.  One victim was rescued from the water, the other victim was still missing. Anne Arundel County Fire and NRP were conducting surface searches as well as Side Scan Sonar searches of the area in attempt to locate the missing victim.

  While in route to the accident I learned the following information from the CAD.  A USCG Documented 41 ft. vessel named “Odyssey” was being operated by the owner when it struck a 17 ft. Jon Boat.  With Operator1 was a diesel mechanic.  The Jon Boat was being operated by its owner, who was currently missing.  There was a second passenger on the Jon Boat, who was rescued by Operator1 and is currently on the striking vessel awaiting EMS.

   The weather conditions during this incident are as follows; Air Temp- 85 Water Temp- 81  Wind- 5 mph and increasing Wave height- 1 foot and increasing Clear skies with some clouds

  When EMS first made contact the V2 occupant1 on the striking vessel, V2 occupant1 provided a brief account of the accident. Lt. with Anne Arundel Fire transcribed the following from what V2 occupant1 told him;

  Written statement as transcribe by Lt. (AA Fire)
  “V2 occupant1 states they were going approximately 10 knots when they were t boned on ort side by a larger vessel going to his estimation 25 knots.  His friend was seen in the water after the accident. He was without a life jacket.” V2 occupant1 was able to provide a more detailed statement while at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Statement Provided by V2 occupant1, transcribed by Cpl. 
OnTuesday 8/25/2020 at approximately 3:30 AM, Operator2 and I left from his house for a day of crabbing. “Operator2”, my best friend, and I towed a 17’ gray Jon Boat to the Turkey Point Marina in Edgewater. We launched the boat and traveled across the South River to the area of the barge. We crabbed until noon, we were both recreational crabbers and had about two bushels of crabs.

  Around noon we started back towards the Turkey Point Marina. When we were approximately 300 yards from the barge, close to the middle of South River we were struck by a 40’ boat. The boat struck us on the port side about the middle of our boat. I was in the bow and “Operator2” was operating the tiller. I never saw the boat coming. I was knocked unconscious and regained consciousness at the bottom the river.  When I surfaced, I heard and saw Operator2 approximately 30 feet from the stern. Operator2 said he needed help. I told him to tread water. I looked for the cooler to take him.  When I went to get it, Operator2 was gone. It seemed like I was in the water forever. I have a head injury, a shoulder injury to my right side, abrasion on my back and pains.

  The boat was manufactured in Florida, Custom Made. It is aluminum painted gray.”

  I arrived on scene in the area of Thomas Point at approximately 2:35 PM, where I attempted to assist Cpl. with getting Operator1 and Subject1 off of her patrol vessel and onto shore.  The tide was extremely low and she was unable to safely get alongside a pier that was low enough for the gentlemen to get ashore.  She had to transfer the Operator1, and Subject1 onto another patrol vessel being operated by Sgt. and that vessel was to meet me at Hillsmere Marina.

  
Subject1 refused to give a statement until his company provided legal counsel. I advised Operator1 of his rights and with his rights in mind Operator1 voluntarily gave me a statement and allowed my interview with him to be audio recorded. Operator1 gave the following account of what happened earlier in the day.
 

  “The boat was in a sling, so we got the people at the marina to the lower the boat into the water.  We got it off the sling area, haul out area and took it around to the bridge, which is a fixed overhead bridge which goes into Selby Bay.  We noticed that all of my electrical stuff at the helm wasn’t working.  

So I made the assumption that there was a switch back in the trunk area by the stern that one for the helm, one for the cabin, and I had assumed that since that boat had been out of the water for a while getting the old engine pulled out and a new engine put in that it was turned off and I didn’t turn it on. 

So Subject1 who was with me on the boat, I said “Open the trunk and look for that little switch and flick it because I think that’s why none of my electric is working.”  We were still in the 6 mile zone when this happened.  And so he did and that turned everything on so everything at the helm was working. We went out got past the 6 mile zone and I took it up on plane.  

We turned to, after we came out of Selby bay we turned to starboard, I’m sorry I mean port and went west on south river, away from the bay.  Subject1 kept telling me to run it at different rpms, so I was running it at different rpms when we were doing this.  

We went up the South River until we got close to the no wake zone, 6 mile zone and we turned around and headed east on South River. I call them east and west, I don’t know why they call it south river. Anyhow, its south of Annapolis, maybe that’s why.  It’s the river right there where Thomas point light is.  

And then again he told me to run it at some different speeds.   He was checking function of the engines and so forth. I was at the helm the whole time. I was standing because we had no seats because the fiberglass was lifted off of the boat to put the engines in.  We went up past Selby bay where we turn in to go back to the marina and we were heading towards Thomas point light. Before we got there we turned it around because he said we could go back inn to the marina there.  We had enough time, he had enough time. I turned it around, soon after I turned that boat around we had the collision with the other boat. 

Now I don’t know If I couldn’t see it because I  was turning and turning and it was over here (gestured to his right)  and by the time I was at the point where I would have seen it  I was on top of it.   I didn’t see it until we hit.   In fact I didn’t see anything in front of me until we ran over that boat.  I did look at my gauges also. So I don’t know if it was a combination.  The only thing I can think of because it was right after I was making that run  I wasn’t looking front for a period of time so I didn’t have the vision of that boat, I didn’t have that boat in my vision. And I wouldn’t have had it in my vision until I had completed that turn probably.  I don’t even know if the boat was moving or if it was stationary.”


BARDID: MD-2020-0122
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: HS1-Ches bay & Tribs/Bay Bridg
NearestCityorTown: Matapeake
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent3: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 1700 hours on 09/03/2020 the Maryland Natural Resources police received a call from Natural Resources Police Communications Center in regards to a vessel fire in the Chesapeake Bay in close proximity of the Matapeake fishing pier. As information came in from NRP Communications I was advised that there were three subjects in the water and one was struggling to swim to the jetty about 40ft from the vessel. At approximately 1705 hours the Maryland Natural Resources Police advised that the vessel was fully engulfed and three subjects were in the water. At approximately 1712 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police advised that all subjects were accounted for, two subjects were on the rock jetty walking towards Matapeake beach and the third was on board the police vessel. At approximately 1718 hours I arrived on scene and met with the two individuals walking down the rock jetty. The vessel owner and operator, OPERATOR 1, advised they were leaving the Matapeake harbor when he and his two passengers heard a loud "pop" coming from the engine compartment, almost immediately they saw flames emerging from the compartment at the rear of the vessel. After observing the fire one of the passengers grabbed the fire extinguisher that was onboard and attempted to put out the fire. After failing to extinguish the fire all three occupants entered the water with their life jackets on. The vessel operator and one passenger made it to the rock jetty approximately 40 feet away from the stern of the vessel while the third subject was picked up by the Corporal. After arriving on scene and gathering a brief summary from the occupants I boarded NRP vessel 150 and attempted to tow the now smoldering vessel back into harbor because it was a hazard to navigation (see attached photographs). While the vessel was in tow it reignited and on scene fire personnel attempted to extinguish the vessel before it sank. At approximately 1748 hours the vessel had sunk and its stern rested on the bottom in approximately five feet of water. The vessel was marked with an orange float and GPS coordinates were relayed to NRP Communications.
    Upon arriving back at shore I interviewed the vessel owner along with the two other occupants and advised them of the vessels status in the water. The operator was supplied phone numbers for Boat U.S. and SeaTow to have the vessel removed from the water. During interviews I determined the vessel to be a white 207 Sunbird built in 1993 with approximate value of 3600 dollars. After the interviews it was determined that the occupants of the vessel had just filled the vessel with fuel (gas) and did not vent or air out the engine compartment. It is believed that not venting the compartment caused a spark or some other ignition device to ignite the fuel vapors in the compartment causing the fire.
    All events Occurred in Queen Anne’s County Maryland.
    This case is closed and no further police action to be taken.


BARDID: MD-2020-0123
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Club Road Lot #14 Williamsport
NearestCityorTown: Williamsport
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 7, 2020 I responded to in reference to a jet ski explosion.  OPERATOR 1’s mother had called to report that her daughter, OPERATOR 1, had been operating a jet ski on September 6, 2020 on the Potomac River in the area of the Potomac Fish and Game Club when it exploded. The jet ski is owned by and registered to OPERATOR 1's father.  I met the family at their home at approximately 2030 hours to take written statements from OPERATOR 1 and her boyfriend who witnessed the explosion.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she had been operating the jet ski with no issues on September 5, and had tied it to a friend's private dock at Potomac Fish and Game Club overnight, and the explosion occurred when she attempted to start it for the first time on September 6 to load it onto the trailer.  OPERATOR 1 stated that when the jet ski exploded, pieces flew off the front, off the back, and the fiberglass hull cracked and struck her in the left leg.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she had a slight bruise and a headache from the explosion but claimed she was uninjured.  Operator 1’s father stated that the damage to the jet ski was unrepairable and considered the vessel a total loss.

All events occurred in Washington and Frederick Counties, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0124
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sixpuxent Bay, Commercial Harb
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 12, 2020 at 1625 hours I responded to a rental company in reference to a vessel accident after the fact.  No injuries were reported, and all subjects were back at rental company.  Upon arrival I made contact with the tour guide who stated the following.

Tour Guide 1 stated that on September 12, 2020 at approximately 1600 hours he was leading a tour to the riding area located in the Sinepuxent Bay.  Tour Guide 1 stated that a subject later identified as Operator 1 began to come out of the line, in the area of the airport on the Sinepuxent Bay.  Tour Guide 1 stated that he began to turn around to correct Operator 1, however by that time Operator 1 collided with another rider identified as Operator 2.  Tour Guide 1 did not see the collision.  Tour Guide 1 stated the neither Operator 1 nor Operator 2 had any injuries, however both personal water craft received substantial damage.  Tour Guide 1 escorted Operator 2 and Operator 1 back to dock and notified the police of the incident.  

    I spoke with Operator 1 who stated the following.  Operator 1 stated that on September 12, 2020 he began a personal watercraft tour with the rental company.  Operator 1 stated that while being escorted to the riding area, he began to wait for his friend who was falling behind.  Operator 1 stated that his friend caught up, and Operator 1 stated he attempted to get back in the line.  Operator 1 stated that while doing so another vessel was in close proximity to him, and this caused him to get nervous, so he joined the line at speed.  Operator 1 stated that he collided with Operator 2, However Operator 1 stated the collision happened so fast he does not recall much.  Operator 1 stated he did not receive any injuries in this collision.  Operator 1 stated that he was wearing a life jacket and lanyard at the time of the collision.  Operator 1 stated that he had less then 10 hours experience operating vessels, and his boater safety certificate was obtained from the rental company prior to the tour. Operator 1 did not consult the weather prior to the tour, and Operator 1 estimated his speed at the time of collision to be approximately 25-30 MPH based on the digital speedometer on the watercraft he was operating.  

    I then spoke to Operator 2 who stated the following.  Operator 2 stated that on September 12, 2020 he began a personal watercraft tour with the rental company.  Operator 2 stated that he was being escorted to the riding area, and he began to fall behind.  Operator 2 stated that he observed Operator 1 waiting for him up ahead.  Operator 2 stated that when he caught up, he observed Operator 1 attempting to re enter the line.  Operator 2 stated that it appeared a vessel that was in close proximity to Operator 1 made him nervous.  Operator 2 stated that Operator 1 then collided with him.  Operator 2 stated the collision happened so fast he does not recall much.  Operator 2 stated he did not receive any injuries in this collision.  Operator 2 stated that he was wearing a life jacket and lanyard at the time of the collision.  Operator 2 stated that he had less then 10 hours experience operating vessels, and his boater safety certificate was obtained from the rental company prior to the tour. Operator 2 did not consult the weather prior to the tour, and Operator 2 estimated his speed at the time of collision to be approximately 20-25 MPH based on the digital speedometer on the watercraft he was operating.
    Vessel one which Operator 1 was operating is described as a 2015 Yamaha VR1000 Maryland registration 6037CR, this vessel had all the proper safety equipment.  This vessel was nine feet long three feet wide and drafted 4 inches and was constructed out of fiberglass.  This vessel was powered by a 110 H.P. inboard engine that was original to the vessel.  The damage to the vessel is described as heavy fiberglass damage to the port side of the vessel, along with the front cowl receiving substantial damage.  The employees of the rental company estimated the damage to this vessel to be approximately $7000.00.  This vessel according to the staff of the rental company is a total loss.  
    Vessel two which Operator 2 was operating is described as a 2017 Yamaha Waver runner Maryland registration 5668LB, this vessel had all the proper safety equipment.  The vessel was nine feet long and three feet wide and drafted 4 inches and was constructed out of fiberglass.  The vessel was powered by a 100 H.P. inboard engine that was original to the vessel.  The damage to this vessel is described a moderate fiberglass damage to the lower port side of the vessel.  The employees of the rental company estimated the damage to this vessel to be approximately $1000.00.
    At the time of the collision it was daytime with an ambient air temperature of 84 degrees.  There was a sustained southern wind at approximately 10 MPH, with a water temperature of 76 degrees.  At the time of the collision the boat traffic in the area was low.  
    Neither Operator 1 nor Operator 2 was able to provide any details of how the collision occurred.  Due to the fact the damage to both vessels were on the port side of the vessel, I believe that the collision was an angle collision.  Meaning that when Operator 1 was rejoining the line he was heading in a northerly direction, while the line was heading in a southernly direction.  I believe that Operator 1 picked up too much speed while attempting to rejoin the line and due to his lack of experience he let go of the throttle.  This caused the vessel to lose steerage and Operator 1 could not control the vessel and collided with Operator 2.  Further Operator 1 was traveling higher then 6 knots while within 100 feet another vessel while operating a personal water craft.  Based on the actions of Operator 1 and being at fault in an accident with substantial damage I opted to cite Operator 1.  Operator 1 was issued two citations, one for failing to obey navigation rules, and operating a personal watercraft higher then 6 knots while within 100 feet of another vessel.  
    All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0125
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:38:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 24750 Yacht Club Rd, Saint Mic
NearestCityorTown: Saint Michaels
County: Talbot
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/13/2020 at approximately 1438 hours I responded to assist with a call for a sick/injured person on Yacht Club Road and the injuries occurred on a boat in the Miles River. While I was on my way, NRP communications advised that the person was being transported to Easton Hospital.

Upon my arrival at Easton Hospital Officer 2 of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was already on scene. He advised that the victim was Passenger 1 and he also advised that injuries occurred while the boat was in motion. Officer 2 already obtained a victim statement from her. I obtained witness statements from all the individuals on board the vessel. I interviewed the operator of the vessel.  

When I interviewed Operator 1, he stated that he was operating the vessel at approximately 8 to 10 knots in the miles river, right passed the yacht club, when he observed a wave/wake coming up on the port side of the vessel, he then throttled down to neutral and advised all passengers to hang on. They hit the wake and Passenger 1 had been bumped up off the seat and landed on the floor. Passenger 1 said her back hurt a lot and she sounded like she was in pain from the fall so they processed back to a dock to call for medical assistance. 
Passenger 1 was complaining of back pain and chest pain while I saw her at the hospital. 

There was no damage to the vessel. 

All events occurred in Talbot County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0126
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chester River-Love Point(River
NearestCityorTown: Stevensville
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 8, 2020 at approximately 1100 hours the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for a boat accident that had previously occurred.  I made contact with the complainant, OPERATOR 1, who advised that he was fishing in the area of Love Point on Sunday September 6, 2020 at approximately 1230 hours when his Maryland registered vessel MD 3188 CG, a 2007 Chris Craft 22 Launch, was struck by a 1998 Insley Custom 44 foot workboat, with US Coast Guard Documentation 1067507 “Islander”.
OPERATOR 1 stated that he was drifting while fishing, with the vessel not under power at which time he was struck on the rear port/swim platform area of his vessel by the bow of the workboat. Photographs were taken by OPERATOR 1 and forwarded due to the fact that the vessel was already trailered back to Montgomery County at the time of the call. 
OPERATOR 1 stated that he spoke to the captain of the vessel,, who stated that he was trolling and had looked around the area before beginning to pull his lines at which time he struck OPERATOR 1’s vessel.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he did not see anyone in the pilot house of the vessel at the time of the collision. 
On September 21, 2020 OPERATOR 1 made contact with me to state that he received an estimate for the damages in the area of $4,800.  I advised him that due to the extent of the monetary damages, it would be a reportable accident.  He was provided with a case number. 
All events occurred in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.
A supplement will be completed with OPERATOR 1's insurance information and passenger information for the vessel "Islander".


BARDID: MD-2020-0127
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 100th Street, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 8th, 2020 around 19:18 hrs, I was on patrol when I was dispatched to Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) in regards to a personal watercraft accident (PWC).  I arrived at AGH shortly after and met with the driver of the PWC, identified as Operator 1.  Operator 1 stated he hit a wake and his hand slipped causing him to hit his head on the handlebars of the PWC.  As a result, he had a laceration next to his right eye which needed 7 stitches.  Operator 1 was not sure what the name of the jet ski rental company was but he believed it was on 100th street and that it may have been a red jet ski. At this point, I checked with Operator 1 to see if there was anything else I could help him with or if he had any questions and cleared from the hospital.  Later on looked in the are of 100th street to see if there were any rental companies that had a riding area there.  The nearest rental company was up on the Maryland/ Delaware line and they did not go that far south to ride.  After exhausting all of my options, I could not find a rental company that used that area and was not able to find vessel information. 

All events occurred in Worcester County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0128
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:36:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River-Chesapeake City
NearestCityorTown: Chesapeake City
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 9/12/2020 at approximately 2235 hours I was on routine patrol when I received a dispatch call for a boat accident on the Elk River.  I arrived on scene just after EMS was leaving and found two male subjects on the beach next to their vessel.  I was told two passengers had been transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.  I spoke to the owner and operator of the vessel.  He explained that at approximately 2230 hours he was operating a 24 foot Baja Outlaw Go-fast vessel and struck an Aid to Navigation on the Elk River, just off Town Point.  He further went on to explain that his vessel was travelling north from Port Deposit to Chesapeake City at approximately 30 knots.  He was operating outside the channel on the east side of the river when it struck the Aid to Navigation.  OPERATOR 1 wasn't sure what he had struck.  It was determined that OPERATOR 1 struck the Red #20 channel marker.  

The channel markers at this area are marking a turn in the channel.  Red #18 and Red #20 are close together.  If OPERATOR 1 had been operating inside the channel he would have passed the Red #18 channel marker on his starboard side and made a turn towards starboard and proceeded towards the entrance of the C and D Canal.  Since OPERATOR 1 was operating outside the channel OPERATOR 1 took the Red #18 channel marker on his port side and did not turn, hence the Red #20 channel marker was directly off his bow and he struck this channel marker at a high rate of speed. 

 It was also a very dark night and since there was a turn in the channel a prudent operator would have slowed down to determine if there were any other vessels or obstructions in the area. OPERATOR 1 did state that he had a navigation app on his phone that he was using but there was a delay in the information.  OPERATOR 1 was approximately 2 miles from the entrance to the C and D Canal, where there is a speed limit of 20 knots at night time due the risks associated with travelling in this area at night.  After OPERATOR 1 struck the channel marker the vessel sustained substantial damage to her port side and started taking on water.  OPERATOR 1 was able to steer and beach the vessel at Town Point, which was only a quarter of a mile south of where he struck the channel marker.  

Upon arrival, I made contact with OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 3.  Both subject appeared shocked and shaken by the boat accident.  After I determined both subjects were ok and enquired into the nature of the two female subjects, who had been transported.  I asked OPERATOR 1 what had happened and if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages.  OPERATOR 1 admitting to consuming alcohol earlier in the day.  I inspected the vessel and did not see or detect any odor of any alcoholic beverages.  I asked OPERATOR 1 to show me the required safety equipment so I could see OPERATOR 1 move around the vessel.  OPERATOR 1 located all of the safety equipment to my satisfaction.  I then directed OPERATOR 1 to come up to my patrol vehicle, which was parked on a flat section of asphalt, and using the vehicles head lamps I conducted field sobriety tests.  I conducted the HGN test and detected zero clues.  I then went on to conduct the one leg stand test and detected zero clues.  Based on my training, knowledge and experience I determined that OPERATOR 1 was not under the influence of drug and/or alcohol. 

OPERATOR 1 attempted to have the vessel removed by commercial towing.  However, since the vessel had taken on water and would require air bags to remain afloat if it was towed, it was determined that the vessel could stay on the beach for the evening.  OPERATOR 1 had the vessel safely removed from the water at a nearby boat ramp the next morning, without the use of commercial towing.

I made contact by phone with the duty nurse in the ER at the hospital where the two female passenger who were transported to.  She explained that PASSENGER 1 appeared to have a cut above her eye and PASSENGER 2, was sitting in the hall way and appeared to be ok.  I determined that I would follow up with the female subjects the next day.

The next day I made contact with OPERATOR 1, PASSENGER 3 and PASSENGER 1 and received statements from all of these individuals.  I was unable to make contact with PASSENGER 2.  PASSENGER 1 stated she was seated in the passenger seat next to OPERATOR 1 and had her head down, looking at her phone.  She did not see what they struck but she was propelled forward and hit her head on the console area of the vessel.  She sustained a cut above her left eye.  PASSENGER 3 and PASSENGER 2 were seated in the back seat of the vessel and were thrown forward by the impact and struck the back of the padded front seats.  They did not sustain injuries beyond basic first aid.     

OPERATOR 1 was charged with Negligent Operation of a vessel and two Navigation Rules of the Road violations.  Rule 5, failure to maintain a proper lookout and Rule 6, unsafe speed for the conditions.

All events occurred in Cecil County.


BARDID: MD-2020-0129
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sassafras River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Unknown
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/06/2020 at approximately 2249 hours I received a call from DNR dispatch in reference to a vessel that was involved in a boating accident. DNR Dispatch advised the vessel was docking at Duffy Creek Marina in Georgetown with two subjects requiring medical attention.

I arrived on scene at the marina at 2315 hours and met with EMS personnel who stated they were transporting two subjects to a nearby landing zone to be flown to Shock Trauma. EMS stated both subjects had serious head lacerations and the male subject had a large laceration on his back. I made contact with two other occupants of the vessel, identified as PASSENGER 1 and PASSENGER 2. Both PASSENGER 1 and PASSENGER 2 were not injured. While I interviewed the witnesses, another officer arrived on scene and gathered information from the two victims being transported by EMS.

When asked about what happened, PASSENGER 1 stated they were in the Bohemia River watching fireworks on the vessel. After leaving the fireworks, the vessel was underway and hit a rogue wave causing the operator, who she identified as OPERATOR 1, and the other passenger, who she identified as SUBJECT2, to hit their heads on the windshield of the boat. PASSENGER 1 stated she did not know if the wave came from another vessel or if the wave was caused naturally. When the accident took place, PASSENGER 1 said PASSENGER 2 and her were seated in the rear of the vessel and OPERATOR 1 was standing behind the wheel teaching SUBJECT2, who was standing next to OPERATOR 1, how to operate.  PASSENGER 1 stated all four occupants had been drinking and she could not remember where the accident took place, she could only remember it was somewhere between the Bohemia River Bridge and the Sassafras River speed zone. PASSENGER 1 also stated that OPERATOR 1 was not using GPS or radar at the time of the accident, as they go off of memory. After speaking with PASSENGER 1 for several minutes, she stated she could not remember if they hit a wave or an unlight buoy. PASSENGER 1 said it was difficult for her to remember what happened due to being intoxicated. PASSENGER 1 provided a witness statement which is attached to this report.

I spoke to PASSENGER 2 who stated OPERATOR 1 got sick while the boat was at anchor and stated that the boat did not hit anything. When asked how OPERATOR 1 and SUBJECT2 got the lacerations, PASSENGER 2 said he was unsure, however he was sure that they did not hit anything. PASSENGER 2 was highly intoxicated and said all occupants of the vessel were drinking alcohol. Due to his level of intoxication, PASSENGER 2 did not provide a witness statement.

I spoke with another occupant of the vessel, GOOD SAMARITAN 1, who stated he was sleeping on his boat, which was anchored in the Sassafras River speed zone, when he heard a boat underway approaching the speed zone with passengers yelling for help. GOOD SAMARITAN 1 stated he swam over to the vessel and saw four passengers onboard, two of which were bleeding heavily from their heads. GOOD SAMARITAN 1 stated he could tell that all the passengers were intoxicated. GOOD SAMARITAN 1 instructed the passengers to call 911 and he proceeded to operate the boat into Duffy Creek Marina to meet EMS.

The vessel was a 28’ Donzi Powerboat with Delaware registration 7989AK. The vessel is registered to OPERATOR 1. I inspected the vessel for signs of a collision and the only noticeable defect was orange/red paint transfer on both sides of the bow with light scrapes and abrasions near the paint transfer. It is unclear if this paint was on the vessel prior to the accident or if it is a result of a collision with another object. There were no cracks in the hull or other signs of collision located. There was a large amount of blood located throughout the boat, specifically near the operators console  There were also empty alcohol containers located throughout the boat, along with a trash bag filled with empty "White Claw" cans. Pictures of the vessel are attached to this report.

On 09/07/2020 Maryland Natural Resources Police attempted to make contact with the victims at the hospital. Hospital staff advised both victims were discharged prior to his arrival. I attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 via telephone, with negative results. As of 1815 hours on 09/07/2020 I have not made contact with OPERATOR 1. I will provide supplement reports when contact has been made with OPERATOR 1 to determine more information regarding the accident.

The investigation occurred in Cecil County however, it is unclear whether the accident took place in Cecil County or Kent County. This case is pending further investigation.

 On 09/14/2020 at 1430 hours I made contact with OPERATOR 1 via telephone. I inquired about the condition of both him and SUBJECT2. OPERATOR 1 stated they both suffered skull fractures, concussions, and facial lacerations but were recovering fine. When I asked OPERATOR 1 about the night of the accident and what happened he said he did not remember much from that night and neither did SUBJECT2. When asked, OPERATOR 1 said he could not remember where the accident occurred, who was operating the boat, or how the accident happened. He said he thought they were anchored and he hit his head on SUBJECT2's head when a wave hit the side of the boat, but couldn't be sure. 

    OPERATOR 1 said he recovered his boat from the marina the day after being released from the hospital. When asked about the paint transfer on the bow of his boat,  OPERATOR 1 said that it is from his trailer and has been on the boat for years. OPERATOR 1 said he did not notice any damage to his boat. OPERATOR 1 provided me with a telephone number for SUBJECT2. I tried several times to make contact with her but attempts were unsuccessful. 

     At this time I can not identify the operator of the vessel, whether or not it was at anchor or underway, and how or where the accident happened. The investigation is closed. No further action needed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0130
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chester River-Kent Narrows-N o
NearestCityorTown: Grasonville
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Shift
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 8, 2020 at approximately 1000 hours I received a call for a late reported property damage boat accident that had occurred a Fuel Dock two days prior on 09/06/2020 at approximately 1600. 

Operator 2, the complainant, advised that their 2020 Bayliner was docked and unoccupied at the docks in front of a Fuel Dock at which time a 1995 American 42 ft vessel bearing MD 7384 E was reversing from the fuel docks, shifted gears to move the vessel forward, at which time it stayed in reverse and struck the bow area and port side of her vessel.  She provided photos as the vessel was no longer in the area and shows scratches and fiberglass gouges in those areas.

Neither vessel was still in the area.  Information had already been exchanged between both parties on scene, however Operator 2 decided that she wished to report it to NRP as well after the fact.  I advised Operator 2 to get an estimate for damages, which would determine if it met the criteria for a boat accident or not. 

On September 30, 2020 Operator 2 stated that her insurance adjuster totaled the damage at $2157.00.

I then made contact with the owner/operator of the striking vessel, Operator 1.  Operator 1 stated that he was reversing away from the fuel docks, and as he shifted the throttles forward, the vessel continued reversing and the starboard/stern area of his vessel struck the bow area of her vessel.  Due to the size difference, the striking vessel raised the bow of the struck vessel from the water.  Operator 1 stated he completed repairs himself, but estimated that it would have been approximately $3800 in damages had he gone somewhere.  Operator 1 has been operating vessels for over 29 years and is in possession of boater safety as well. 

All events occurred in Queen Anne's County, Maryland.

I request this case be closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0131
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River-Annapolis-Spa Cre
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 8, 2020 I was notified of a vessel accident that occurred on September 6, 2020 in Spa Creek, Annapolis, MD. I made contact with Operator 2 and was provided with a written statement of what took place. Operator 2 stated that while trying to back his vessel into a slip, his vessel's starboard side scraped against a docked vessel. I then made contact with Boat Owner 1 who stated that his vessel was struck by another vessel in Spa Creek, Annapolis.  No injuries were sustained in this accident.  At the scene no information was exchanged. Operator 2 stated to contact Allstate Insurance to retrieve his policy number.

I spoke with Boat Owner 1 and he stated that while his vessel was docked the bow of his vessel was struck by Operator 2’s vessel.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County Md.


BARDID: MD-2020-0132
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 360 Magothy Rd, Severna Park
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/09/2020 I was dispatch to a vessel accident that occurred at a marina .The Complainant, Operator 1, stated he was involved in a vessel accident at the marina on September 4th, 2020. Operator 1 was unable to meet with me during the day on the 4th and I discussed the incident with him via a telephone call.
Operator 1 stated he was attempting to dock his vessel in a slip at the marina when instead of placing the vessel in neutral, he placed it in forward gear and struck a docked sailboat as well as two pilings at the marina, causing damage. Operator 1 was provided the vessel accident worksheet via email to provide me further information reference the accident. Operator 1 stated no one was injured on either vessel, and he was later assisted by marina personnel to dock his vessel. Operator 1 stated he was very new to boating and was unfamiliar with the controls and operation in general and thought the slip was too tight for his vessel
I responded to the marina and observed Operator 1’s vessel, a 1996 Wellcraft ( MD 5460 BC) with a large fiberglass gouge down the starboard side of the vessel. I also observed two pilings that had been significantly damaged and needed to be replaced. The other vessel Operator 1 struck was a Bayliner Sailboat ( MD 5346 AK) The sailboat’s motor was ripped totally off its mount and was hanging in the water by what appeared to be the fuel lines. All pictures of the damage observed will be attached to this report.
Magothy Marine fixed the damage to the pilings(dock), and the total cost was $4,500. The Damage to the sailboat is still being evaluated by Cypress Marina and the report will be updated with its findings. I spoke with the sailboat owner, and he stated he would provide me updated information as soon as it’s available.
Mr. Operator 1 will be given a warning reference Failure to obey USCG navigation rules of the road RULE 8 Action to Avoid Collision.
All the above events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0133
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 22:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Gunpowder River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Jappa
County: Harford
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, September 12th, 2020 at approximately 2215 hours the Maryland Natural Resources Police, was on routine patrol in the Middle River Area when I received a call for a report of a vessel that struck a day marker on the Gunpowder River in the vicinity of the Amtrak Bridge.
After contacting the reporting party, they informed me that the vessel had struck a day marker while underway and continued towards the direction of Mariner Point and Joppatowne Marina.
I then went by vehicle enroute to Mariner Point and Joppatowne Marina. I contacted DNR and requested they send a Harford County Sheriff’s Deputy to attempt to identify the vessel and operator as I would have an extended arrival time. Upon my arrival to the area the vessel was gone.
I spoke to the Harford County Sherriff's Office, who said there was no signs of alcohol and the individual driving the truck that was towing the vessel was not impaired. After speaking with a deputy, I was able to obtain information to contact the vessel owner.
OPERATOR 1 explained to me the following day that he was coming up the Gunpowder River and struck a day marker. After he struck the marker, he said that he brought the boat back to the ramp and was able to get the vessel on it's trailer. 

OPERATOR 1 witness statement: On Sept 12 I was driving my 91 42ft Fountain back in the Gunpowder River to Jopps Town. I had guided to the left to pass a towboat pulling a boat in. Before the train bridge as I came back in line with the channel to the bridge, I struck an unmarked day marker on the left side of the boat at low speed. We checked on all passengers OK and continued to the ramp where we loaded the boat and assessed damages. 
Operator 1 stated that he had a quote for repair for $92,000.00.
All events occurred in Baltimore and Harford County.


BARDID: MD-2020-0134
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 150 Skipjack Rd
NearestCityorTown: Cecilton
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/14/2020 at approximately 2041 hours, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) received a call from the NRP communications center to respond to a vessel that had struck a day marker in the Sassafras River with 5 people on board and one being transported to Skipjack Cove by dinghy. I boarded a NRP vessel and made my way to the accident location.

    Upon arrival on scene I was made aware that Cecil County Fire and EMS had transported all of the occupants from the vessel, except for the operator. I made contact with the Operator 1, who I later identified using a driver’s license. Operator 1 stated that he had been traveling at around 30 knots on his 24 foot Chaparrel side console vessel with two passengers up front, two in the rear of the vessel, and two in the mid-section of the vessel when he collided head on with an unlit red #12 day marker. Upon impact with the day marker one passenger was ejected from the vessel into the water. A nearby witness who had heard the crash was able to pick the passenger up from the water an return her to the vessel.  After my initial contact with Operator 1, I detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vessel and around Operator 1’s person. I asked Operator 1 how much he had to drink to which he replied a few drinks, 6 since 1100 hours till around 1700 hours when he had stopped drinking. I advised I would be towing him into the marina to meet EMS personnel and conduct a couple tests. During my tow EMS personnel met me out on the water and began tending to Operator 1 and inquiring to any injuries sustained due to the crash. Operator 1 stated that his jaw hurt and had severe pain coming from his left leg above his knee. Upon reaching the marina I began conducting my Standardized Field Sobriety Tests along with further questioning on the events that occurred.
Field Sobriety
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus/ (HGN) (4/6 Clues Observed)
    Prior to explaining the instructions for this test I asked Operator 1 if he wore glasses or had any head injuries in the past or due to this accident. Operator 1 stated that he wore contact lenses and was wearing them at the time of the accident. Operator 1 also stated he had no head injuries in the past and the only injury from the accident was his jaw and leg.  I administered the test to Operator 1 using my pen as a stimulus. I held the tip of my pen approximately 12-15 inches away from Operator 1. Operator 1 was instructed to follow the tip of my pen with his eyes and his eyes only. I further reiterated to Operator 1 to not move his head during this test. I observed Operator 1’s pupils to be of equal size and both eyes displayed equal tracking. Following the completion of the test I observed the following clues.

Lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes
 
    Shortly after completion of HGN Operator 1 was placed on a stretcher and transported to an ambulance for further evaluation. The following test were not administered due to injury.

1. Walk and Turn

2. One leg Stand

 Preliminary breath test (PBT)

     The preliminary breath test (PBT) was offered to Operator 1 while receiving treatment and evaluation in the ambulance. I advised Operator 1 that this test was optional and that if he chose to take it the results would not be admissible in court. Operator 1 declined to take the test.

Arrest

    Based on the following I was able to determine that Operator 1 was operating under the Influence.

Red/ Blush color in his face
Admission to drinking earlier in the evening
Smell of alcoholic beverage emanating from his person\
(4/6) clues on HGN
    Operator 1 was placed under arrest for operating under the influence at 2139 hours. Operator 1 was read the NRP-482 “advice of rights” verbatim. Operator 1 refused all tests after the NRP-482 was read to him. Operator 1 was released to EMS personnel for treatment at Christiana Medical Center in Delaware. 

Charges pending

NR, 8-738 (A)(1) operation while under the influence of alcohol
NR, 8-738 (A)(2) operation while impaired by alcohol
NR, 08.18.01.05B negligent operation
NR, 08.18.01.04B unsafe speed for the conditions
NR, 08.18.23.02 exceeding 6 knots on middle sassafras river
NR, 8-738.2 (A)(1) reckless operation
CFR 33, Chapter 1- SubChapter E- Part 83-Rule 5 Failure to maintain proper lookout
 

Charges are pending upon final victim statement from Operator 1.

All events occurred in Kent and Cecil County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0135
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:27:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 3965 Chaneyville Rd
NearestCityorTown: Owings
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Sharp turn
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, September 6th, 2020, at approximately 4:30 pm, I was on routine patrol in my marked patrol vehicle. I received a call from the Maryland Natural Resources Police Communications Center advising of a PWC accident that involved two children injured. I arrived on scene and Owner 1 and Owner 2 (both identified by their issued driver’s license) approached me. Owner 1 told me he was the registered owner of both PWCs involved in the accident (two 2017, SeaDoo Spark. One PWC was white and the other was blue both registered through North Carolina. Owner 1 said that he gave permission to Operator 1 to use both PWC’s and was not aware of who else would use it. Owner 1 said that at approximately 4:25 pm, he saw Operator 1 operating the blue PWC and Operator 2 operating the white PWC with Passenger behind Operator 2.

Owner said he saw both PWC’s going north of the Patuxent River in the area of the Lower Marlboro pier. They were approximately 7 feet parallel from each other going approximately 40 mph. Owner stated that he saw the white PWC operated by Operator 2, make a sharp left turn in front of Operator 1. Operator 1 did not have enough time to maneuver. Owner stated that’s when the front of Operator 1’s PWC collided with the port side of Operator 2’s PWC. Owner said that the impact sent both girls “flying into the air”. Witnesses on scene waved a boat at the area of the accident for help. They did not get any information of the helping vessel but advised that they were able to get Operator 1, Operator 2 and Passenger 1 on board and taken back to land.

Operator 2 and Passenger 1 were seen crying by witnesses on scene. EMS was called at approximately 04:25 pm.  At approximately 04:40 pm, Calvert ECC says both victims (Passenger 1 and Operator 2) were being flown out by helicopter to Children's National. The victim’s mother was also with them during transportation.

At approximately 05:30 pm, Operator 1 arrived on scene. The address on scene was Operator 1’s mother’s house. I spoke with Operator 1 and he did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol. I asked Operator 1 if he can tell me what happened. Operator 1 stated “We were driving north next to each other, probably 40 mph and Operator 2 turned in front of me, I thought she was going to keep going but she stopped”. Operator 1 said that he didn’t have enough time to move and that’s when they collided. I asked Operator 1 if he had any injuries and he stated “no”. Operator 1’s mother, was taking Operator 1 to this hospital to be with his step daughters (Passenger 1 and Operator 2). I was able to get a written statement from Operator 1 before he left the scene.  I advised Operator 1 that I will meet him at a later time to give him citations related to the incident.

On September 9th, 2020 at approximately 6:30 pm, I arrived back to Operator 1’s mother’s house, to give Operator 1 four Maryland Natural Resources Citations. Giving permission to operate PWC under 16 years old, Operating PWC in negligent manner, Exceeding 6 knots less than 100 feet from another vessel, Did give permission to operate PWC exceeding 6 knots from another vessel.

All events occurred in Calvert County, Maryland


BARDID: MD-2020-0136
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:48:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sinepuxent Bay.Commercial Harb
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 09/13/2020 at approximately 1900 hours I was dispatched to a rental PWC accident after the fact. The victim was currently being treated at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin for minor injuries. We responded to AGH to gather the victim’s information and a witness statement for me. Operator 1 had a small puncture wound and contusions on her left leg. I responded to the rental company to obtain information from them but they were closed. I received a call later that evening from the manager of the company and he stated he would get me the renters’ information and rental agreement.
I never received any information from the manager on 09/14/2020. I sent an email to the company’s email that I had from previous interactions and the other manager stated she would gather me the information and get back to me.  I also attempted several times to make contact with the victim and suspect in the accident but neither person answered the phone numbers that were provided.
Victim – Operator 1
Suspect-  Operator 2
On October 3, 2020, I was able to make contact with the rental company and she provided me with the correction information from the renters. The information matched what was provided me with his initial contact at the hospital.
Due to Operator 2 not returning my phone call or calling into the appropriate police agency for a personal injury vessel accident he is being charged with the following:
NR 8-724b: Boating accident reports on the waters of the state
MR 08.18.01.04A: Failure to obey navigation rules
Rule 5 Look-out
Rule 6 Safe speed
Rule 8 Action to avoid collision
All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0137
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-31 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 03:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1565 Flag Harbor Blvd., St Leo
NearestCityorTown: Saint Leonard
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday, August 31st, 2020, I was on routine patrol in my marked vehicle. I received a call from the Maryland Natural Resources Police Communications Center at approximately 09:15 am, for a boat fire that occurred in Flag Harbor Marina (1565 Flag Harbor Blvd, Saint Leonard, MD 20685) at approximately 2:25 am. I arrived on scene at approximately 9:25 am. As I was walking in the marina parking lot, a witness approached me and said that he witnessed the fire and called 911. Witness 1 said that he lives on his sailboat and was docked at the next slip. Witness 1 said that at approximately 2:10 am, he received a phone call from the boat owner. Witness 1 stated that boat owner had asked Witness 1 to check if his boat was on fire because his video motion sensors alerted his phone alerted him and showed heavy smoke. Witness 1 said that when he looked out of his sailboat, he saw that the boat was on fire and called 911.
I contacted Chief from Saint Leonards Volunteer Fire Department. Chief advised that it was electrical malfunction. Engine 72 from Saint Leonards Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 2:20 am and arrived on scene at approximately 2:25 am
At approximately 9:45 am, the boat owner arrived on scene. Owner stated that he was in Massachusetts at the time of the fire. Owner and I walked to slip 132 to observe the damages on his vessel. Owner vessel is a white, 2004, Four Winns Pleasure Boat, 37'9", bearing Florida registration number, FL6912RP. The vessels cabin was charred and burned from the heavy fire. Owner stated that his vessel was a total loss from the damages. I asked boat owner if he had insurance on his vessel and he said no.
I did not observe any damages to other property at the marina, besides Boat Owner vessel.
Boat owner was able to save the footage from his video surveillance. It showed at approximately 2:10 am, thick black smoke coming from under the cushion (right side of the cabin). The vessel was unoccupied at the time and did not show anyone near the vessel. Boat owner claimed the damages to be worth $60,000.
I received written statements from Boat owner and Witness.
There were no injuries.
All events occurred in Calvert County.


BARDID: MD-2020-0138
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-09-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River-Annapolis-Spa Cre
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Starting in gear
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
At approximately 7:56 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2020, I responded to a call for a vessel accident in the Annapolis City anchorage in the vicinity of mooring ball #33. I arrived on scene and spoke with the owner of US Documented Vessel "Legacy", USCG Documentation Number 928791. The vessel owner, Operator 1, reported that while he was moored to Annapolis City mooring ball #33 another vessel struck his boat on the port side just forward of amidships. I examined the area of the vessel specified by OPERATOR 1 and found damage to the teak railing, gelcoat, and metal accent rail.

    I spoke to the owner/operator of the striking vessel, US Documented Vessel "Berschert" USCG Documentation Number 1150757. The vessel owner, Operator 2, admitted to accidently striking the other vessel. OPERATOR 2 stated that he had started his motor while preparing to get underway and had not realized it was in gear. He then went below deck to finish his preparations. While below deck, OPERATOR 2 felt the impact of the collision and came topside. He realized what had happened and took his vessel out of gear. 

    OPERATOR 2 spoke to OPERATOR 1 about the incident and promptly provided all information for insurance and reporting purposes. While I was speaking to OPERATOR 2 about the incident, he admitted the incident was caused by his lack of attention and failure to control his vessel to avoid the collision. OPERATOR 2 was issued a Natural Resources Warning for violation of the navigation Rules, Rule 8, Action to Avoid Collision.

    All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

    This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0139
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-09-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:30:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 12913 Ocean Gateway, Ocean Cit
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On September 27, 2020, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call from DNR Communications to respond to AGH (Atlantic General Hospital) for patients from a boating accident. DNR advised that the hospital stated that there would be two patients, a male, and a female. Upon arrival, I met with hospital staff and they directed to the patients.

I first met with the male subject identified as Operator 1, the operator of the PWC. He advised that his friend, Owner 1, had allowed him to operate his PWC. Owner 1 was in the area but on a separate vessel. Operator 1 explained that he was traveling South towards the Rt 50 bridge (Harry Kelly Bridge), but was traveling too fast on approach; he indicated the digital speedometer stated “40”, believing to be approximately 40 mph. Having very little to no experience operating a PWC, he let go of the throttle and attempted to turn away from the piling. Due to the mechanics of a jet-driven vessel, they require some amount of propulsion to turn. The PWC subsequently did not turn due to the lack of propulsion and the PWC and both occupants struck the concrete bridge piling and were thrown overboard. Owner 1 was able to retrieve both Operator 1 and Passenger 1 from the water.

Operator 1's injuries consisted of multiple contusions and scrapes all over his body, including his right hand, left forearm, left knee, and right ankle. The scrapes on his right knuckles were consistent injuries I have seen from contact with concrete. Hospital staff advised beyond the visible injuries he also had a sprained right ankle.

I then met with Passenger 1. She explained a similar sequence of events that led up them striking the bridge piling. She stated that she saw the bridge coming and had thought about jumping off, but did not. Her injuries were more severe. She had a broken left ankle and an approximately 6-inch laceration to her lower abdomen, also on the left side. 

From speaking with Operator 1 and his own admittance, he had very little experience and or understanding of how to operate a PWC. He actually had minimal experience on vessels at all. 

While at the hospital I was able to meet with Owner 1, the subject that removed Operator 1 and Passenger 1 from the water. He stated that his family was able to tow the PWC back to Pines Point Marina with their vessel, and he was in the process of pulling it out. Owner 1 wasn't completely sure of the extent of the damages to the PWC, just that there was some substantial fiberglass damage. I obtained contact information from Owner 1 and advised that I would follow up tomorrow to inspect the PWC, as he intended on remaining at the hospital until his friends were discharged. 

I spoke with Owner 1 later that evening on the phone and he advised me that the PWC had been pulled out of the water and was now on a trailer at their residence in Ocean Pines. Due to the time of night, I advised him that an officer would be out in the morning to obtain information and pictures of the PWC.

An officer responded to the residence and documented the damages to the PWC, and obtained the pertinent information that I needed to complete the report.

After reviewing the damages, injuries, and both Operator 1’s and Passenger 1’s statements I will be making contact at a later date in reference to charges for Operator 1.


BARDID: MD-2020-0140
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-08-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:22:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 1900 Old Eastern Ave/Cutter Co
NearestCityorTown: Essex
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Unknown
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel Information:
1988 Searay 44'
MD 4571 BV
Hull ID SERF85636788
On 8-17-20 at 1923 hours, Baltimore County Police Department responded to Cutter Cove Marina in reference to a boat fire. Upon arrival we observed a large amount of smoke and flames coming from the vessel. Bystanders advised that the boat had caught fire and no one was on board at the time. The owner of the boat was enroute from his home. The marina manager was notified and present during the incident.
Officers spoke with the boat owner who advised that he was not at the location at the time of the incident and had not had any issues with the boat in the past.
Baltimore County Fire Department members extinguished the fire. FID responded to the scene. Detectives advised they determined the fire to be accidental and caused by electrical.
MDE responded to the scene. No damage was reported to the Marina or nearby vessels.
The boat was determined to be a total loss. Total loss value: 65,000.00
This incident was handled by Baltimore County Police Dept., therefore the Dept. of  Natural Resources did not respond.


BARDID: MD-2020-0141
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:51:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 205 125th Street, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/03/2020 at approximately 1825 hours I, OFC. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to a call for a hit and run vessel accident in the area of 200 N Heron Drive in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland. While enroute, I made contact with the complainant via phone who stated they observed a vessel while underway strike another vessel that was on a lift out of the water. The complaint stated the vessel struck the other vessel and continued without stopping. The complaint described the striking vessel as a large 30-35 foot center console sport fisher with a “Blue wrap” on the sides.       

 Upon arrival, I made contact with the complaint who identified himself as Subject. He stated the blue vessel was traveling down the canal with the music volume on high and the occupants on board appeared to be “drinking.” Subject stated multiple residents around the canal on both sides observed the vessel strike the stationary vessel on the lift and started yelling to the boat when they attempted to leave the area. Subject stated he got on his watercraft and went to assess the damage of the vessel that was struck. Subject said there was visible damage on the outboard motor of the vessel that was struck. Subject pointed out the vessel that was struck. The vessel that was struck appeared to be a Gray in color center console fishing style boat on a vessel lift in a slip. 

While speaking with Subject, DNR communications center dispatched me to the area of 123rd Street at Jamaica Avenue in Ocean City for another vessel that was struck by another vessel. I later determined both incidents were the same and only one vessel was struck. Subject agreed to complete a witness statement form. I gathered Subject’s contact information and the witness statement and responded to 123rd Street to assess the damage and get the registration of the vessel that was struck.

Upon arrival at 123rd Street, I discovered the vessel was on a lift in slip # 383 behind the Lanai building. The vessel displayed Delaware registration “DL 8069 AM.” While I was obtaining the vessel information, DNR communications center stated they received another complaint from the owner of the vessel that was struck. DNR said the owner had found the suspected vessel that struck his in a vessel slip in the area of 123rd Street and Jamaica Avenue. A short time later the complainant called back and stated that he and the other vessel owner got into a physical altercation on the dock near the striking vessel. The complainant stated they were located in Hidden Harbor building complex but not sure where. I cleared 125th Street and responded to Hidden Harbor on 123rd Street. I requested DNR to contact Ocean City Police Department and have an officer respond to that location to stand by until I was able to arrive on location.

Upon arrival, I was met by a subject who identified himself as Subject2 and his son. Subject2 stated he was the owner of the vessel that was struck and was visibly distraught and agitated. Subject2 stated he found the owner of the vessel that struck his and claimed he was “extremely drunk.” I observed small lacerations on Subject2’s hands and asked him if he needed medical attention. Subject2 stated he was ok. Subject2 said the owner of the other vessel pushed him down on the dock after a brief conversation about the accident and inspection of the striking vessel.  I referred Subject2 to the Maryland District Court Commissioners’ Office if he wished to pursue charges for the second-degree assault. Subject2 pointed out the condominium that the owner was staying in. I gathered Subject2’s contact information and advised him to remain in the area and to gather as much of his vessel information for me as he could while I completed my investigation.

 Once an officer from OCPD arrived on location at approximately 1930 hours, I attempted to make contact with the vessel owner that Subject2 pointed out. After several attempts at knocking on the door and announcing myself as a police officer and approximately 4-5 minutes passing by was the door opened by a male subject. I identified myself as a Natural Resources Police Officer and the subject identified himself as Subject3. I told Subject3 I was investigating a boating accident that his vessel might have been involved in. Subject3 stated he was operating his vessel earlier but didn’t remember being in an accident. While speaking with Subject3 at the doorway to his residence I could smell a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath and person. I could see Subject3’s eyes were bloodshot, glassy, and glazed over. When Subject3 spoke I could hear a distinct slurring of his speech and some sentences that he attempted to make weren’t comprehendible. Subject3’s overall clothing appearance was disheveled and he wasn’t wearing any shoes. I asked Subject3 if anyone else was in his residence and he said no. I asked Subject3 about the altercation between him and Subject2 and he stated he didn’t remember being in one. Subject2 stated he remembered someone coming to his door accusing him of hitting his boat but didn’t remember being in a fight. 

I asked Subject3 if he needed an ambulance and he stated “no.” I asked Subject3 if he had been drinking alcoholic beverages tonight and he stated he did earlier. Subject3 stated he drank “some beers.” I asked Subject3 if he drank them before or after he had been operating his vessel and he stated he drank before he operated his vessel. I asked Subject3 how long he had been home and he replied “A couple of hours.” I asked Subject3 if he had any alcoholic beverages since he got off of his boat and had been home and he stated “Maybe one beer.” I asked Subject3 again if he was sure that all he had was one beer and he stated “Yep.” Subject3 stated he drank at Teasers. Teasers is a local dock style bar in Ocean City, Maryland. 

While I was speaking with Subject3, he answered my questions but took several pauses before answering or making statements. I asked Subject3 if he could show me his vessel and wear it was docked so I could make a visible inspection of it. Subject3 stated “Sure” and requested if he could put on a pair of shoes. I told Subject3, of course, he could, I would just need to step inside his residence for officer safety reasons, while he attempted to locate his shoes. Subject3 stated that was fine and invited me inside. When I stepped inside of Subject3’s residence, I was still able to smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage but didn’t observe any open containers of alcoholic beverages in plain view. Subject3 walked back and forth from the living room to the front door looking for his shoes. I asked Subject3 where his shoes were and he stated “I thought they were right here.” Subject3 made several comments about not knowing where his shoes were and I told him to take his time in finding them. Each time Subject3 would walk to and from his living room, he would look in the same places as he did before. I asked Subject3 if he just wanted to walk down and show me his vessel without his shoes and he said he would. I allowed Subject3 to walk in front of me and advised him to be careful about going down the steps. While walking down the steps, Subject3 used the handrails for balance. The OCPD officer and I didn’t have to use the handrails for balance. Subject3 stated the vessel was behind the building and took us down a concrete walkway leading behind the building. Subject3 wasn’t able to walk in a straight line and trailed from side to side while he was walking in front of me. Subject3 directed me to his vessel and I immediately recognized the vessel’s decal wrap. The vessel was wrapped in a dark blue vinyl style material with numerous pictures of “offshore style” fish species. I remembered seeing this vessel during the summer months on several occasions around the Ocean City waterways. To my knowledge at the time of the accident, this is the only vessel in the immediate area around Ocean City with that particular de


BARDID: MD-2020-0142
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-10-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Fishing Bay WMA, Vienna
NearestCityorTown: Elliott Island
County: Dorchester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday October 15, 2020 at approximately 1800 hours, we responded to a water rescue call in Fishing Bay, Dorchester County.  I had received reports of a vessel taking on water near the Elliott Island boat ramp and that there were two subjects in the water.  I launched NRP755 (marked Police boat) at the Island Creek boat ramp on Elliott Island Rd, at the head of Fishing Bay.  When I came into Fishing Bay proper, I made my way down to the boat ramp where I met with the Vienna Fire and Rescue team.

They advised that the two subjects had been brought to land by a Good Samaritan by his commercial fishing vessel.  The Emergency Responders that were on scene told us that the subjects had been transported to the Vienna Fire House.  At this time, we asked the Fire Dept. to call the ambulance and tell the two subjects that they were not to leave until we arrived.  The Fire Dept. also told us that the vessel was still out in the water and was capsized.
 

We went to the last known location of the vessel and observed a capsized vessel bearing MD registration 2614AU.  After running the registration, it was determined the vessel was a 1988 B Tracker bass boat, red and silver in color.  The vessel also had a float tied off on the bow so that it could be found and visible. 

We arrived at the Vienna Fire House at approximately 2006 hours and met with the two subjects that were onboard the vessel.  Operator 1 told me that he was the registered owner of the vessel and that he was operating it.  Operator 2 told me that he was the passenger onboard the vessel.  Operator 1 told me that the two were fishing just up past Snake Island for the majority of the day and were pretty protected.  He told me that when they were done and entered into the Fishing Bay proper, the wind had picked up and the waves had gotten larger.

Operator 1 stated that as they were on their way to the ramp at approximately 10mph when waves started coming in overtop the transom of the vessel.  Operator 2 told me that the bilge pump was working but was unable to keep up with the amount of water that the entering the vessel.  It was at that time that he started to bail the water out by hand.  Ultimately his efforts were not enough and the vessel eventually capsized.  Both of the subjects told me that they were both wearing their Type III PFDs and that Operator 2 was also holding onto a Type IV throwable.  This statement was confirmed by the Fire and Rescue units that were on scene.

Operator 1 was given the number to Tow Boat US and was advised that he needs to make arrangements with a commercial marine tow company to have his vessel removed from the water.

All events occurred in Dorchester County MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0144
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:43:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River-Annapolis-Spa Cre
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, October 24, 2020, I was dispatched to a boating accident that occurred in Ego Alley, Spa Creek, in Annapolis, MD. The closest land address was 110 Compromise Street, Annapolis, MD, 21401. The accident involved a striking vessel and two vessel that had been struck. There were no reported injuries and there was property damage to all three vessels. I met with the striking vessel and one of the damaged vessels. The second damaged vessel remained docked in Ego Alley.

I met with the operator and passenger of the striking vessel (Operator 1). The striking vessel was a 2016 22' Sea Ray displaying Maryland registration 4250CS with one passenger. Operator 1 explained that he was a member of a boat club. The vessel belonged to the Boat Club and was registered to owner of the Boat Club.  Vessel 2 was a 2003 40' San Juan, with USCG documentation, 1148078. Vessel 3 was a 2007 45' Sundancer, USCG documentation, 1193222

I interviewed all involved parties and found that their accounts of the incident were the same. Operator 1 was operating his vessel, headed southeast at idle speed, in Ego Alley. He was looking for a place to dock in order to eat lunch with his passenger. He explained that he was distracted and looking to his right, where the Fleet Reserve Club and Pusser's Carribean Grille are both located.

 At the same time, Operator 2 was headed northwest into Ego Alley, at idle speed. Operator 2 stated he and his wife saw that Operator 1's vessel was on a collision course with their vessel. They began to yell, and Operator 1’s passenger temporarily grabbed the wheel in attempts to avoid the collision. At that time, Operator 1 port side of the vessel struck Operator 2’s port bow causing gelcoat damage, approximately 10 inches in length. Operator 1 stated he panicked and gave the vessel a little gas to move out of the way and in turn his starboard side swung and struck the port transom swim platform of Operator 3’s vessel. Operator 3’s vessel was docked along the south side of Ego Alley nearest the Fleet Reserve Club. This caused damage to the gelcoat and fiberglass on the swim platform. Both, Operator 2 and Operator 3 stated that Operator 1 attempted to flee out of Ego Alley, but Operator 2 was able to catch up to Operator 1 and his passenger.

 Operator 1 reportedly did not exceed 6 knots at anytime. Operator 2 gathered Operator 1 driver's license and boater safety education card. Operator 1 stated that he was looking away and paying attention to people on land, when he struck Operator 2’s vessel and subsequently hit Operator 3’s vessel. Operator 1 admitted that he was at fault. When I asked Operator 1 if he had consumed any alcohol, he stated that he had only one beer on the way down from Baltimore. I did not smell any odor of an alcoholic beverage while speaking with Operator 1 and did not see any other signs of impairment. Operator 1 and his passenger were both cooperative. All of the vessels had proper safety equipment onboard and no injuries were reported. Operator 2 estimated the damage to his vessel to be around $9,000. Operator 3 estimated the damage to his vessel to be around $800. Boat Club Owner estimated the damage to his rental vessel to be approximately $1,000. All vessels are properly insured. A vessel accident report will be submitted with this report.

I charged Operator 1 with 08.18.01.04A- Failure to Obey Navigation Rules- Rules of the Road- Rule 5: Failure to provide a proper lookout.

This is a prepayable fine of $85 and a maximum of $500.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.
This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0145
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:35:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 100 Main Street, Annapolis Har
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, October 25th, 2020, at approximately 1738 hours, I was investigating a boat accident that occurred earlier in the day, when another accident occurred. A passenger that was on the vessel that was struck (Vessel 2) yelled, "DNR, DNR, they hit our boat." I walked over to their vessel and directed the striking vessel to dock their vessel in order to exchange information, obtain witness statements, and further investigate the accident. There were no injuries involved.

Vessel 1, the striking vessel, was a 1987 28' Carver Mariner, displaying Maryland registration 8223 DC. The vessel was owned and operated by Operator 1. There were four adult and three children (whom were all wearing the proper type III PFDs at the time of the accident).

Vessel 2 that was struck was a 2014 60' Princess Flybridge with USCG documentation 1250648. The vessel was docked along Ego Alley with two people on board at the time of the accident. There were two vessel occupants. 
 
   I interviewed all of the parties and found that their accounts of the incident were the same. Operator 1 was headed into Ego Alley, when he attempted to turn around prior to the end of the waterway at the city dock. Operator 1 turned to his port side and got turned around to head back out of Ego Alley to go to Pusser's Carribean Grille. While making the turn to his port, his starboard transom swung wider than he anticipated, subsequently striking Vessel 2 approximately 3 to 4 feet above the waterline, near the mid section of his starboard bow. The wind was blowing from the northeast, subsequently causing Operator 1's vessel to drift toward Vessel 2. This caused two different locations of contact in a 15 foot section along the starboard side of Vessel 2. In addition, the starboard exhaust housing was damaged and fiberglass was cracked. The other damage to Vessel 2 was a gouge in the gelcoat and a secondary 8 to 10 inch scuff.  There was no damage to Operator 1's vessel. Vessel 2 estimated the damage to his vessel to be around $11,000. Operator 1 stated that it was his mistake and he was willing to cooperate fully. Both vessels had the proper safety equipment onboard and were insured. A vessel accident report will be completed and attached to this report. 
At this time, Operator 1 will not be charged due to the high traffic volume, a northeast wind (side to), and the inability to properly maneuver.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.

This case is closed


BARDID: MD-2020-0146
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sassafras River-Main Stem,Earl
NearestCityorTown: Georgetown
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 18th, 2020 I responded to a boating accident on the Sassafras River near day marker  R “8.”  I arrived on scene at approximately 6:25 pm.  The involved vessel, a 34 ft Sea Ray with Maryland registration 9866 CD, was aground when I arrived. I had to push through the mud to get alongside.  I spoke with Operator 1.  He stated that they were returning from dinner at the Fish Whistle in Georgetown.  While operating at about cruising speed, probably close to 20 knots, they ran aground because they were on the wrong side of the day marker. 

One of the passengers, Passenger 1 had been standing in the doorway to the cabin.  When the boat stopped abruptly due to going aground he was thrown down into the cabin and landed on the cabin floor, about 5 feet below where he had been standing.

I spoke with Passenger 1 briefly before Kent County EMS took over his care.  He was still lying on the floor. He did not think he had lost conscious but was complaining of severe back and shoulder pain.  He was unsure if he had struck anything else besides the floor.  EMS and the US Coast Guard transported Passenger 1 to Duffy’s Marina where Cecil County EMS took over and transported him to Christiana Medical Center.

Tow Boat US was able to tow the Sea Ray off the sandbar with no apparent damage to the boat. The boat accident report will be completed once I have the required information for it.

I spoke with Operator 1.  He stated Passenger 1 suffered from broken ribs, vertebrae and a ruptured spleen.  He is continuing to recover.  The vessel had damage to the props, shafts and bottom paint.  The damage estimate was $6600.

This case is closed.  No law enforcement action in needed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0147
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay and Tribs-Bay Brg-Cov
NearestCityorTown: Shady Side
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On October 24, 2020, at approximately 3:34 PM, I responded for a report of a vessel on fire in the area of marker 85A in the Chesapeake Bay. The area of the incident was determined to be Anne Arundel County, Off Franklin Point. When I arrived on scene Anne Arundel County Fire was attempting to extinguish the fire. The vessel was a 1978 Chris Craft Sport Fish 45 ft. The 4 passengers and Captain of the vessel were picked up by a Good Sam. I arrived on scene at 4:20 PM and attempted to locate the 5 subjects from the vessel involved. I located the Good Sam vessel and loaded the subjects on my vessel to collect statements. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or Captain. Tow Boat US was notified and was headed to our location.

    While on my vessel I collected statements from Operator 1 and Passenger 1. Both subjects stated they were about to start fishing when they noticed smoke coming from in the cabin. The Captain stated he attempted to put the fire out and used 2 fire extinguishers with no luck. They were able to make it on to another vessel in the area and radioed USCG on channel 16. There were three other passengers aboard. Operator 1 stated he thinks it was an electrical issue that started the fire. He said he could smell plastic burning when he left the cabin. When the fire started all subjects were in the back deck of the vessel.
 
    AACOFD confirmed the fire was out at 5:25 PM. Tow Boat US arrived at 5:25 PM and started to hook the vessel up for a tow. The vessel was towed back to Kentmorr Marina located at 910 Kentmorr Rd, Stevensville MD 21666, and removed form the water. I met with Operator 1 on October 27, 2020, at Kentmorr Marina to collect information on the vessel and take pictures. When I met with Operator 1 he stated that the vessel was not insured and estimated the damage at around $50,000. 

    Events occurred in Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0148
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-10-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Middle River
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10-24-2020 approximately 1905 I was operating marked patrol vessel NRP 892 along with Officer 2. We were dispatched to a vessel collision somewhere in the area of the mouth of Middle River and Sue Creek. We arrived to Middle River approximately 1925 hours. Upon arriving on scene we made contact with a 27 foot Maycraft vessel showing Maryland registration 7130 DB (vessel 2) that was being towed into Baltimore Yacht Club in Sue creek by Deckelmans Marine Group. This vessel had 4 persons on board who all informed us that they were okay and did not need immediate medical attention. The persons onboard this vessel were later identified as Vessel 2 Operator and three additional passengers. Damage to the stern, motor bracket and noting the outboard had been struck with enough force to remove it from the vessel was observed.

We then were able to confirm that Vessel 2 Operator’s vessel was struck and we needed to locate the striking vessel.  Vessel 2 Operator was able to inform us that the vessel that struck him was a white cabin boat 25 to 30 feet in length and had traveled across Middle River, believed to be in Galloway Creek. At this time multiple fire boats were on scene, also attempting to locate the striking vessel. Baltimore County Fire received information that there was a vessel on a jetty in Galloway Creek. Approximately 1945 hours we responded to this vessel and were able to confirm that it was the striking vessel.

The striking vessel is a 28 foot Hydrasport, registration DL 5185 AH (vessel 1). The Owner of this vessel was identified as Vessel 1 Owner. The Operator of this vessel was identified as Vessel One Operator with three passengers. All 4 persons onboard advised they were okay and did not need medical attention.  Damage to the bow, a black scrape on the bow of the vessel at water level was noted. Cracking to the bow tow anchor fiberglass has also been documented.

I was able to determine that vessel 1 struck vessel 2 in the area of the Mouth of Middle River in the area of green #5 marker. Vessel 1 then traveled from the point of impact to Galloway Creek where they then beached the vessel on a rock jetty. The point of impact on vessel 2 was the stern of the vessel. Point of impact to vessel 1 was bow.

During the initial interview Vessel 1 Operator informed me that he was the operator, he was unsure of what they hit but that he felt a bump and was unsure of the damage to the vessel. Vessel 1 Operator then stated that he believed they may be taking on water so they traveled to what they believed to be the closest shoreline to inspect the vessel. 

After taking statements and all pertinent information from vessel 1 occupants we reported back to vessel 2. Vessel 2 had been towed to Baltimore Yacht club. Vessel 2 Operator, Vessel 2 Passenger 3 and Vessel 2 Passenger 1 all then informed us that they have varies possible injury’s and will seek their own medical attention (refusing treatment from fire personal). Vessel 2 Operator then informed us that they were traveling into Middle River from Hawks Cove when the stern of his vessel was struck by vessel 1 causing his motor to be ripped from the vessel. There was also damage to the motor mount and a variety of electronics and battery cables. Vessel 2 Operator reports that he was thrown into the throttle, his captain’s chair as well as the steering wheel causing his injuries. Vessel 2 Passenger 3 and Vessel 2 Passenger 1 were thrown back and forth on the deck of the boat causing injury. Pictures of the damage to the vessel have been documented.

It should be noted that Baltimore County 911 received the first report of the accident from Vessel 2 Operator at 6:59pm and did not receive any calls from boat 1 until approximately 10 minutes after the accident. I have received a copy of the audio call from Vessel 1 Passenger 2 from vessel 1 911 call. During this call you can hear Vessel 1 Passenger 2 advising 911 that the vessel he was a passenger on hit another vessel.

Both vessels advised that there navigation lights where operational at the time of the accident. Navigation lights were function checked by myself and Officer 2 and found to be working properly. 

Witness statements and pictures have been obtained and attached to this report. Witness statement from Vessel 2 Operator states that Vessel 1 Operator was not the operator of boat 1 but that Vessel 1 Owner was the operator. This statement is undergoing further investigation at this time to verify this information.

Charges pending at this time due to an ongoing investigation. 

All events occurred in Baltimore County Maryland.

On 11-13-2020, I interviewed Vessel 1 Owner and Vessel 1 Operator. Mr. Vessel 1 Owner and Vessel 1 Operator both again stated that Vessel 1 Operator was the operator of the vessel at the time of the accident. No additional information to support statements made that Vessel 1 Owner was the operator has been obtained.  At this time I Have made multiple attempts via telephone calls and text message to obtain a witness statement from Vessel 2 Passenger 1. Vessel 2 Passenger 1 has been unavailable to provide his statement to the department.          

Vessel 1 Owner was charged with the following:

            FAILURE TO HAVE CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
            FAILURE TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER   
    
Vessel 1 Operator was charged with the following:

           NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A VESSEL                      
            FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATION RULES OF THE ROAD


BARDID: MD-2020-0149
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2020-10-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 12814 West Hopetown Lane
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Unknown
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Poor
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 10/25/2020 at approximately 1850 hours I was dispatched for a vessel that was on fire. Ocean City Fire Department was already on location and requesting an NRP officer to respond.

Upon arrival, I observed OCFD personnel spraying the remains of a vessel’s hull with water to finish putting the fire out. The vessel was on a vessel lift out of the water and wasn’t being occupied or operated. Two PWCs were sitting beside the vessel on the same lift. One of the PWCs was destroyed from the fire on the originating vessel and the other PWC was partially burned on the stern. The originating vessel’s interior was destroyed by the fire. The fire from the originating vessel spread to the PWC due to the high winds that night. No other property was damaged from the fire. I acquired the registration numbers from all three vessels and all owner information was given to the Worcester County Fire Marshall’s Office, who arrived on the scene to handle the fire investigation. None of the owners of the vessels were on scene but they were contacted by the homeowners association. I contacted the owners at a later date and gathered all the necessary information for the vessel accident report.  The owner of the vessel stated he valued his vessel at a $50,000 loss and the owner of the PWC valued his PWC at $9,000 to replace.

Cleared without further incident.

All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0151
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 15, 2020 at approximately at 1:30 PM, the Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to a call for service for an overturned kayak near Round Bay in the Severn River, Annapolis, Maryland.

OPERATOR 1 was unable to provide a written statement of events due to his current medical treatment. OPERATOR 1 stated that he and OPERATOR 2, departed Hatton Beach, Severn River at approximately 9:30 AM in an attempt to kayak to Chesapeake Harbor. After approximately an hour, OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 had only made it to the route 50 bridge and the winds had picked up to approximately 15 miles per hour. OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 altered course to the eastern side of the Severn River and decided to return to the launch point at Hatton Beach. As OPERATOR 1 was turning to return to Hatton Beach, waves came over the back of his kayak and swamped the kayak. OPERATOR 1 was wearing his life jacket and was able to grab on to the kayak. Attempts to right the kayak were unsuccessful. Operator 2 called 911 for assistance and remained near OPERATOR 1 while waiting for assistance to arrive.

OPERATOR 1 was rescued from the water by Anne Arundel County Fire and transported to land for evaluation by EMS. OPERATOR 1 was transported by Anne Arundel County EMS to the Anne Arundel County Medical Center for further treatment.

The overturned kayak was returned to OPERATOR 2 for safekeeping.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2020-0152
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hawk Cove
NearestCityorTown: Sparrows Point
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with submerged object
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Steering
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
Boat 1 was transiting the Pleasure Island Cut. To save fuel, he was operating on only one engine.  On this day the winds were gusting to 25 mph. The boat was pushed out of the channel and toward the shoreline of millers island blvd. The operator stated that it felt like he may have hit something under the waterline, and at that point he had no steering.  The boat was pushed up against the pier at miller island causing minor damage to two boards and a cleat.

Then the wind and waves pushed the boat where it came to rest on the bulkhead of a house causing minor damage to the bulkhead at that point the vessel was secured to the bulkhead

The owner of the vessel contacted his insurance company for a tow. However, due to the weather conditions, the vessel was left at the scene until it could be removed at a later time.

The complaint number and information was given to all parties involved


BARDID: MD-2020-0153
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Patapsco Middle Branch
NearestCityorTown: Baltimore City
County: Baltimore City
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 11/07/2020 at approximately 1413hrs. Maryland Natural Resources Police, while on uniformed patrol aboard an marked NRP marked vessel #851 responded to a call from NRP dispatch for a vessel aground with a non-compliant person aboard, in the area of Masonville Cove, located on the Patapsco River - Middle Branch in Baltimore City, MD. I arrived at approximately 1430hrs and noticed the vessel, a white motorboat resembling a yacht-style vessel, which was anchored approximately 30 yards from the closest shoreline. The vessel had visible damage to the port side bow (left front). I met with Baltimore City Fire Department who was on scene. They informed that they saw one person aboard, but were unable to get much closer due to the shallow water and that the person was noncompliant with their efforts to assist. 

    We approached the vessel from its port side bow, the stern was facing the shoreline. I was unable to observe anyone aboard during our approach. I placed NRP #851 alongside the damaged vessel on its port side. Cpl. began calling out for anyone on board, at which time the subject came out from the stern area of the vessel. The subject was observed wearing a blue knit cap, a black sweatshirt, and dark blue jeans, as well as a black & white bandana hanging from his waist, a set of black binoculars hanging from his neck and appeared to be a middle-aged African-American male of medium build.

    Upon making contact with the subject, he advised that he was the sole party aboard the vessel. When asked about what happened, he explained that he had been struck by another vessel, which left the area.

    Cpl. then boarded the vessel on its port side and I remained aboard NRP #851 at its stern, which was adjacent to the damaged vessels bow. At this time, the subject was now in the bow area of the damaged vessel and was attempting to retrieve the anchor, which was apparently stuck in the bottom of the waterway. Cpl. approached the subject and inquired further on the situation. 

The subject was also unable to provide proof of vessel ownership, or any sort of photo identification for himself. When asked what the name of his vessel was, he replied “Marquis 600”. Cpl. moved back to the stern area of the damaged vessel in order to investigate further, the subject remained at the bow area and I remained at the stern of the NRP #851. I asked the subject for more details about the accident.

 He informed me that he had anchored in this position since earlier that morning, although he was unsure exactly what time he arrived. He further explained that he was asleep below deck when the vessel was struck by another vessel, which he thought to be a white sailboat. He was unable to identify this striking vessel or provide any additional details regarding the sailboat. Upon my request, the subject identified himself and provided a Date of Birth, a his phone number. The subject claimed he was traveling from Philadelphia, PA and that the vessel is typically stored in Philadelphia, PA. He also explained that he had obtained the vessel about 10 years ago, from when a family friend gifted him the vessel.

    At 1446hrs, the subject was detained and placed into handcuffs by Cpl. while further investigation was completed. I then boarded the damaged vessel from its port side and remained with the subject while Cpl. continued the investigation with the local USCG office. At approximately 1453hrs Cpl. relayed to me that the vessel was possibly stolen and we needed to speak with the owner. I was able to locate a phone number and address for Owner using DNR licensing portal and Cpl. was able to make phone contact with the owner. Per Cpl., the owner confirmed no one currently had permission to be operating his vessel and that he had last seen the vessel in its slip located at the Inner Harbor Marina about one week prior. Owner was informed of the current circumstances regarding his vessel.

     At 1510hrs the subject was placed under arrest and informed of his Miranda Rights. From that point on, the subject remained non-verbal and communicated using simple head nod up and down when asked if he understood his rights. I completed a search incident to arrest of the subject and retrieved several items from his possession, which were placed into an orange waterproof bag in front of him. No contraband was found on the subject, only (2) cell phone charging cords, (1) flexible BBQ lighter, (1) black and white bandana, (1) set of womens underwear, black in color. The subject was seated in a chair at the stern of “JAH LIVE” while Cpl . conducted a search of the vessel. I remained next to the subject the entire time to monitor his actions, which were apparently normal for the rest of our interaction. I confirmed with the subject that he had no complaints of injuries.  

    The vessel search was completed and no contraband or apparently stolen property was found, although the cabin area was locked. At the stern of the vessel atop a table, there was (1) black backpack, (1) set of locking pliers, (1) blue color work glove, (1) half-empty bottle of water, and several small black rocks. The subject claimed ownership of only the backpack.

    A Personal Flotation Device was placed over the head of the subject, secured to his body and he was then placed onto an NRP #851 and seated in the bow area, facing forward. The subject and his property were transported via NRP #851 to the dock of the Baltimore Police Marine Unit, located at 3201 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21224. The NRP boat was docked and the subject remained onboard while Baltimore Police sent a unit to assist with transport to Baltimore City Central Booking facility. The subject was transferred to the custody of Baltimore Police Officer Yates #H081, in his marked unit #2C92 at approximately 1718hrs and was assigned a BIN 2023315BC. The owner of the damaged vessel was notified of the arrest and he advised that he would arrange for the vessel to be towed from the scene.

    At that time, myself and Cpl. traveled via NRP #851 to the Inner Harbor Marina area, which is adjacent to the Rusty Scupper restaurant and Baltimore Police substation, 400 Key Highway Baltimore City, MD 21230. Cpl. surveyed the marina for additional information and determined that the area is conspicuously posted with “no trespassing” signs and had secured gated access. Prior to leaving the police station, we were notified via Baltimore Police computer system that subject name and date of birth were confirmed during his processing at the detention facility. 

     All events occurred in Baltimore City, MD.

 

    On 11/10/2020, on our next on-duty shift, myself and Cpl. returned to the Inner Harbor Marina during regular business hours to review surveillance footage of the marina. It was determined that the area of the pier access gate is under surveillance by motion-activated cameras owned by the marina. At approximately 1:03am, the cameras recorded a person enter the area in front of the office of the marina. This persons appearance matched the appearance of the subject later arrested aboard "JAH LIVE" on 11/07/2020. At 1:07am, this person approached the locked gated access, grabbed ahold of the top of the metal fence, and swung around the outer edge of the fence, coming to rest on the marina dock. The person then walked towards the slip area and went off camera. The subject was also wearing an apparently blue glove, which was consistent with the blue work glove located on the stern of the vessel. The involved vessel visible in the background, tied to the outermost slip adjacent to the harbor of Baltimore, the bow f


BARDID: MD-2020-0154
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-17 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:20:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle River
NearestCityorTown: Middle River
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at approximately 1314 hours I was dispatched to a call for a vessel accident at Maryland Marina (3501 Rose Farm Road, Middle River, MD).
I then called the complainant and spoke with him. BOAT OWNER 1 explained to me that the marina manager had called him and notified that the rigging of his sailboat had gotten entangled with the rigging of another sailboat, caused by a wake from an unknown vessel.

We then agreed meet at Maryland Marina on the following day so that he could fill out a witness statement and I could take pictures of the vessel.

When I met with BOAT OWNER 1, he informed me that the marina manager believed that it could have been a boat wake that caused the damage to the 2 vessels around lunchtime on November 16, 2020. BOAT OWNER 1’s vessel, bearing USCG Documented # 962620 and a vessel bearing registration # MD 3153 BU. I attempted to contact BOAT OWNER 1 in regards to the damage to his vessel. There was no answer and a voicemail was left.

I called BOAT OWNER 1 back on 11/21/2020 and spoke with him in regards to damages. He gave a rough estimate of $1000 in damages but was not exactly sure of value until work was complete.
I then took pictures of both vessels (attached) and got BOAT OWNER 1 to complete a witness statement for me (attached).
All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2020-0155
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-11-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:19:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 615 Irving Ave, Colonial Beach
NearestCityorTown: Colonial Beach, VA
County: Charles
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On November 27th, 2020 at approximately 1830 hours (6:30pm), while on routine patrol I received a call from NRP dispatch for an incident regarding a boating accident, on the Potomac River in Colonial Beach, Westmoreland County, Virginia 22443.

At the accident location I observed that the vessel was in approximately 12 inches of water, approximately 12 inches away from the rip rap shoreline and parallel to the shore. The vessel – MD registration number MD 9025 CB, Make Judge, Model Eastern 27, Hull Identification (HIN) VEB27WWW101 was lodged into the pier that it collided with roughly halfway through the vessel’s length. Photographs of the pier and vessel were taken at the scene.  Inside the vessel I located 3 empty Smirnoff bottles, 1 full Smirnoff bottle, 1 Fireball bottle – approximately 2/3s full, an unopened 12 pack of Modelo beer and 1 empty White Claw can. The vessel engine was in the off position, the gear selector was in forward and the throttle was throttled back. 

In a verbal statement, a witness stated that when he boarded the boat to assist, the female occupant, later identified as Operator 1 was on the right side of the vessel behind the navigation equipment trying to shut the vessel off but was revving the engine. Witness 1 assisted in shutting off the engine. The male occupant, later identified as Occupant 1 was towards the stern of the vessel on the floor.  Witness 1 stated that Occupant 1 came over to the navigation equipment to try to shut off the engine and run the bilge. The female occupant, Operator 1, was able to get off the vessel onto the dock under without assistance.  The male occupant, Occupant 1, was assisted off the vessel with help of 3 additional people. Both occupants were transported to Mary Washington Hospital located at 1001 Sam Perry Place, Fredericksburg, Virginia via Westmoreland Medic 91.

We arrived at Mary Washington Hospital at approximately 2130 hours (9:30pm) to interview Occupant 1 and Operator 1. I interviewed Occupant 1 while another officer interviewed Operator 1. Occupant 1 stated that he arrived at Friendship Landing, 4715 Friendship Landing Road, Nanjemoy, MD 20662 at approximately 1430 hours (2:30pm) with his vessel.  That is where he met Operator 1 and they launched his vessel into the water. Occupant 1 operated the vessel downriver to Captain John’s on Cobb Island located at 16215 Cobb Island Road, Newburg, MD 20664. Occupant 1 stated that he fueled his vessel, bought a 12 pack of Modelo, potato chips and cigarettes while Operator 1 used the restroom. Occupant 1 stated they were there for approximately 15 minutes then departed upriver toward Colonial Beach looking for rockfish. Occupant 1 stated they were at trolling speed, roughly 3 knots when Operator 1 asked, “how do you drive this thing” and Occupant 1 replied, “follow the black line”.  Occupant 1 explained that the black line was the tracking line of the GPS that was used earlier in the day to go down to Cobb Island. 

Occupant 1 stated after he let Operator 1 take control of the vessel, he fell asleep in a chair in the stern of the boat. The next thing he remembered was that he, “woke up flying face first into I don’t know what” and that he was a “heavy sleeper” and unaware of any events between Operator 1 taking control of the vessel and the crash into the pier. Occupant 1 stated he crawled to the front of the vessel and pulled the throttle down and turned on the bilge pump. Occupant 1 remembers people yelling and stated he was helped off the vessel by who he believed to be an Emergency medical technician (EMT). Occupant 1 then said he did not remember anything from the time of the crash until being in the hospital but maybe “a little bit in the ambulance”.

MNRP will follow up with a supplemental of the interview from Operator 1
Charges are pending and this investigation is open and ongoing.
All events occurred in Charles County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2020-0156
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2020-12-24 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:05:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Pocomoke Sound-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Crisfield
County: Somerset
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
Vessel took on waves over the bow. operator was able to get vessel to shore and all four hunters walked onto the marsh as the vessel swamped.


BARDID: MD-2021-0001
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-13 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:30:00
CoordinatesConfidence: NC
NameOfBodyOfWater: West River, Galesville
NearestCityorTown: Galesville
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 13, 2021, at approximately 0830 Hrs., Officer First Class and I, Officer of the Maryland Natural Resource Police, were on patrol when we observed a white-colored dinghy, approximately 6 feet in length, afloat in the West River, at 38.85390N -076.52641W. We approached the dinghy at location 38.85390N  076.52641W, and observed that it was unoccupied.  The water conditions were calm, and it was a sunny day.  The air temperature was about 35 degrees F, and the water temperature was approximately 40 degrees F.  Winds were less than 10 mph out of the South.  We suspected the vessel belonged to a live-aboard boater that moors it in the Galesville, MD anchorage, adjacent to the West River Fuel Dock.  We towed the dinghy back to the Galesville anchorage and spoke with subject1 who lives aboard a white sailboat, displaying expired Maryland registration 3813 CH.  

SUBJECT1 immediately recognized the dinghy and advised it belonged to victim, a live-aboard boater in the same anchorage.  SUBJECT1 stated that he and VICTIM were aboard his sailboat drinking alcoholic beverages until approximately 0130 Hrs., on January 13, 2021.  SUBJECT1 stated that VICTIM seemed very intoxicated, and he attempted to have VICTIM spend the night on his vessel, given that VICTIM had to work at 0700 Hrs. However, VICTIM refused to stay on SUBJECT1’s vessel, and he boarded his dinghy at 0130 Hrs.  VICTIM was not wearing a PFD and started rowing back to his moored vessel, "Twilight Zone," a white and blue Silverton, displaying no Maryland registration, approximately 85 yards from SUBJECT1’s vessel.  

SUBJECT1 advised that he witnessed VICTIM row away from his vessel but could not see the entire distance and was unsure if VICTIM ever made it back to his moored vessel.  At approximately 0930 Hrs., OFC and I responded to the “Twilight Zone” to check VICTIM’s welfare.  "Twilight Zone" was moored at approximate location 38.842338°N  76.538731°W, approximately 40 yards east of the Galesville Wharf.  OFC knocked on the side of the vessel and announced his presence.  Not receiving a response nor seeing movement from within the vessel, Ofc. boarded “Twilight Zone” and looked inside the unlocked cabin.  VICTIM was not aboard.  

At this point, we suspected VICTIM had fallen into the water and drowned. OFC called SGT and reported a possible fatal boating accident.  We returned to SUBJECT1 and had him complete a witness statement, then secured VICTIM's dinghy along the south side of the Galesville Wharf.  We returned to "Twilight Zone", OFC re-boarded it and found a business card for VICTIM’s employer. 

SUBJECT2 advised that he attempted to pick up VICTIM at 0930 Hrs., at the Galesville Wharf but left when VICTIM was not there.   VICTIM’s father arrived on scene at approximately 1018 Hrs., at which time VICTIM’S FATHER and I completed a witness statement. VICTIM’S FATHER advised that SUBJECT2 had contacted him via cell phone at approximately 0900 Hrs. to inquire about VICTIM’s whereabouts.  VICTIM’S FATHER then called a friend of VICTIM that lives near the Galesville County Wharf.  Subject3 informed VICTIM’S FATHER she saw VICTIM earlier in the day, on January 12, 2021.  VICTIM’S FATHER then drove to the Galesville Public Wharf to check on his son’s wellbeing, where we made contact with him.  Anne Arundel County fireboat arrived at the scene at 1044 Hrs.  OFC and I subsequently conducted searches in the following areas:

The area from the Galesville Public Wharf to West River channel marker Green #5  Open area search of all of the moored vessels in the area   Security camera footage at Stan & Joe’s Riverside Restaurant, Galesville, MD. All searches resulted in the negative findings of VICTIM.

CPL  of the Maryland Natural Resource Police, Criminal Investigations Section, arrived on scene at the Galesville Wharf at 1128 Hrs.  All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.  This investigation has been turned over to the NRP Criminal Investigations Section for further.

Item Inventory   The following items belonging to the victim were recovered from the water:
8 foot Walker Bay Dingy, hull identification number US-EWVB1557B999
2x Oars
Sunglasses
2x Empty bottles, alcoholic beverage (“Chicken Cock” brand whiskey, 43% ALC/VOL, 750 mil)
Trash bag with clothing items
Rope
The following items were recovered from the victim during Forensic Investigation:
Identification Card
Cell Phone
2x Tubes of epoxy
US Currency (4x One Dollar Bills, 7x Quarters, 2x Dimes, 3x Nickels)
Used facemask

Evidence
During Forensic Investigation, a 3-piece bong with green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana was recovered from the victim.  This was entered into evidence at NRP Area 3 Broadneck Office as Evidence System ID 8053.  Area 3 Evidence Custodian Sgt. has been notified.  Copies of Chain Of Custody Report and Receipt Of Seizure have been left with Sgt..
Cpl. is the primary investigator for this incident.  This incident remains under investigation.
All events in Anne Arundel County.


BARDID: MD-2021-0002
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:14:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Susquehanna River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Port Deposit
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper anchoring
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 16, 2021 at 1416 hours, Officers responded by boat aboard NRP887 to the area of the Millard Tydings Bridge on the Susquehanna River to a report of a subject in the water. Officers arrived at 1425 hours along with Marine 5 from the Susquehanna Hose Company nearest to waterfowl blind site #40 on the Susquehanna River. A subject identified as OPERATOR 1 was pulled from the water and transported by Marine 5 to City Yacht Basin. Officers took two other subjects back to Lapidum Landing where the three subjects had launched their kayaks to go fishing.

At 1547 hours Officers made contact with OPERATOR 1 at Harford Memorial Hospital where OPERATOR 1 had been transported by ambulance. OPERATOR 1 was alert with no injuries and was waiting to be warmed up to be released. OPERATOR 1 stated that while fishing he reached for his anchor line behind him and leaned too far over and ended up in the water. OPERATOR 1 stated that while in the water he was unable to flip his kayak back over even with assistance from the other fishermen.

All events occurred in Harford County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0003
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-01-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Otter Point Marina
NearestCityorTown: Abingdon
County: Harford
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On January 27, 2021, at approximately 1045 hours, Officers were notified of a vessel fire that occurred on January 19, 2021, at Otter Point Yacht Club Pier A (Address: 600 Otter Point Rd. Abingdon, MD 21009). The vessel was a 34.5 ft. 1979 Californian Long Range Cruiser (Hull ID #JCM340079179) with a diesel engine. The vessel owner was identified as BOAT OWNER 1. BOAT OWNER 1 sold his vessel in August to BOAT OWNER 2. BOAT OWNER 2 was living on the vessel and was in the process of paying it off to BOAT OWNER 1.
The fire was an accidental electrical fire that started on the vessel while it was plugged to shore power at the dock. The fire left extensive damage to the starboard side and top of the vessel (pictures attached to report). The fire occurred around 1100 hours on January 19 and was reported by a neighboring vessel. There were no occupants on the vessel at the time of the fire. The vessel was uninsured at the time of the accident. BOAT OWNER 2 advised he planned to have the boat fixed.
All events occurred in Harford County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0006
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-03-07 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:47:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back Creek
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 07, 2021, at approximately 12:47 AM, I responded to a vessel on fire at Allsopp Marina located at 317 Chester Ave, Annapolis MD, 21401. I arrived on scene at 1:25 AM and made contact with the Annapolis City Fire Department, who had just finished extinguishing the boat fire. I also made contact with the Annapolis City Fire Marshal. FIRE MARSHAL determined that the fire was caused by electrical issues in the starboard aft of the vessel. According to FIRE MARSHAL the fire was mostly contained by residents of the marina using Fire extinguishers located along the dock. When the Annapolis City Fire Department arrived on scene they were able to extinguish the remaining flames. The vessel was a 48ft 2016 Wauquiez Yachts sailing vessel. The Marina owner was able to make contact with the owner, who arrived around 1:45 AM. BOAT OWNER advised there was a cutoff switch for the fuel in the forward compartment of the vessel and Annapolis City Fire was able to shut it off. BOAT OWNER advised there was nothing running on the vessel. The fire was confirmed to be fully extinguished at 2:26 AM. All units were clear at 2:30 AM.
        On March 07, 2021, at approximately 2:50 PM, I met with the owner to gather more information on the vessel for the accident report. While at the location I was able to get more pictures and an estimate of the damage. BOAT OWNER estimated the damage at $425,000.00 and stated it was a total loss due to the location of the damage. 
    All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0007
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-03-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 06:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 16320 Cobb Island Rd, Newburg
NearestCityorTown: Newburg
County: Charles
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On March 15th, 2021 at approximately 7:43 am, Maryland Natural Resources Police were dispatched to a vessel fire at Captain Charles Marina located at 16320 MD-254, Newburg, MD 20664.  I arrived on scene at approximately 8:35 am.
When I arrived, the vessel fire was extinguished and Charles County Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Cobb Island, was on scene working on the vessel.  No occupants were aboard the vessel at the time of the fire and no injuries were sustained. 
The boat was a 1980 Silverton Yachts, Cabin Motorboat.  The boat was 31’ in length with a white fiberglass haul.  The most current registration for the vessel is MD 1509 AF.  The current owner was not at the location of the fire. 
The original 911 call came in at approximately 6:32 am and Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 6:37 am.  The 911 call was made by a witness.  WITNESS stated that he noticed the fire while working in the area at approximately 6:30 am.  WITNESS called 911 and notified them that a boat docked at Captain Charles Marina was on fire.
The vessel sustained significant fire damage throughout.  The cabin and interior of the hull were all charred in the fire.  The fiberglass hull was charred and melted.  The boat was still able to float and relocated by Tow Boat USA, to the boat lift at Captain Charles Marina.   It is unknown how much fuel was on board the vessel.
I spoke with the vessel owner and informed her of the fire.  OWNER stated that the vessel had undergone significant renovations and improvements.  She stated that two electric space heaters and an engine block heater were onboard and running at the time of the fire.  
The wooden structure of the marina slip suffered fire damage and charring while the shore power box had some minor melting.
Charles County Volunteer Fire contacted the Fire Marshall who declined to investigate the incident. 
Witness statements along with pictures of the damaged vessel and slip have been attached to this report. 
All events occurred in Charles County.


BARDID: MD-2021-0008
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Upper Potomac River-Williamspo
NearestCityorTown: Williamsport
County: Washington
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Dam/lock
AccidentCause2: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 03, 2021 at 1755 hours; Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to the Potomac River in the area of the River Bottom Park; Williamsport, Maryland 21795 for a Water Rescue.  When I arrived on scene at River Bottom Park, I made contact with PASSENGER 1.  PASSENGER 1 advised her husband was on a sailboat, fell out and then both the vessel and her husband went over the dam, commonly known as the (Hot Wall).  PASSENGER 1 also advised, she lost sight of her husband after he went over the dam. 

    I returned to my patrol truck and drove along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal downstream to the Potomac Edison Power Plant and Hot Wall area.  When I arrived on scene, Washington County Maryland Fire and Rescue crews advised they were still attempting to locate the victim and said he was last seen downstream closer to the Interstate 81 bridge.  After searching for the victim downstream in the area of the Interstate 81 bridge, fire and rescue crews were able to locate the subject approximately two-hundred (200) yards downstream of the dam (Hot Wall).

    I made contact with the fire and rescue crew on the Maryland shore of the Potomac River where the victim was being treated for hypothermia and awaiting transportation to Meritus Medical Center.  I made contact with three (3) witnesses and individuals who assisted with the rescue.  All three (3) witnesses advised that while they were fishing the Potomac River, they heard a whistle being blown and were able to locate a sailboat approaching the dam (Hot Wall) and an individual in a life jacket clinging to it.  They further advised, the vessel and individual went over the dam.  They were able help guide him to the shoreline and called 911.  Fire and Rescue crews secured the vessel at the Hot Wall and the victim was transported to the hospital.

    I identified the victim as OPERATOR 1:.  I asked OPERATOR 1 to explain the events that lead to him entering the water.  OPERATOR 1 stated he launched his homemade sailboat at the River Bottom Park Boat Ramp for the Potomac River and began sailing upstream.  As he approached the Route 11 bridge, he made a U-turn.  OPERATOR 1 stated during the U-turn, the vessel began to tip to one side, to prevent the vessel from capsizing he shifted his weight to the opposite side of the vessel and the vessel leveled out.  OPERATOR 1 additionally stated, when the vessel leveled out, he lost his grip and fell out of the boat into the water and was unable to return safely to the vessel and both the vessel and he went over the dam before being able to make it to the shoreline.  OPERATOR 1 was wearing his life jacket at the time he fell overboard and entered the water.

    OPERATOR 1 is being treated at Meritus Medical Center for hypothermia and is expected to be released in the next few hours.  

    All events occurred in Washington County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0009
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-04-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:59:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Brg-Cove
NearestCityorTown: Tracys Landing
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (unknown origin)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Flooding/swamping
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On Friday, April 23, 2021, at approximately 1559 hours, Maryland Natural Resources Police, was dispatched to a vessel in distress call for service. An individual made a mayday distress call over VHF channel 16 and advised that his vessel was sinking and his starboard motor was smoking at the mouth of Herring Bay on the Chesapeake Bay, located in Anne Arundel County, MD.
        Officers arrived on the scene at 1631 hours, aboard patrol vessel NRP144. At that time the vessel was completely submerged and both individuals were recovered from the water. The two occupants and their dog were previously recovered by the North Beach Fire Department Fireboat and the individuals were subsequently tended to by medical personnel. Both individuals were given blankets to help with the cold water temperatures that they experienced.
        The vessel information/description of the vessel that sank is as follows:
           2007 35'3" EXPRESS CAROLINA CLASSIC
                HIN: CAR35104J607
                Vessel Name: Sirens Song
                USCG DOCUMENTATION #: 1193903
                EXPIRATION: 12/31/2022
                Hull Color: Navy Blue
        The two occupants of the vessel were identified as: OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1
        The North Beach Fireboat notified all units on the scene that they were going to be transporting both individuals for further evaluation to Herrington Harbor South Marina, located at 7149 Lake Shore Drive, North Beach, MD 20714. Officers subsequently responded to Herrington Harbor South Marina. Upon our arrival, OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 were being warmed up in an ambulance. MD NRP, met us at this same location to gather further vessel and personal information as provided above from both individuals. After about 15 minutes in the ambulance, OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 declined medical treatment and arranged to be taken back to the Herrington Harbor North Marina, just a few miles away.
        Prior to their departure, Officers, met with OPERATOR 1 to gather information on the incident. He advised that they had a 92-degree heading, heading in an east/northeast direction, at around 20 knots. He was passing the Green '1' marker, located off of Holland Point in the Herring Bay, when he noticed that the vessel was smoking very heavily from the starboard exhaust. OPERATOR 1 described it as, "very heavy black smoke." He then looked into the engine compartment where he realized there was a large amount of water entering the bilge and engine compartment area. OPERATOR 1 explained the smoke got worse and he did not want to look into the engine compartment in fear of causing a larger fire. OPERATOR 1 subsequently called out a mayday on VHF marine channel 16. Both he and his wife put on Type I PFDs. OPERATOR 1 advised that he shot off 3 individual flare distress signals prior to jumping into the water with his wife and dog. A good Samaritan arrived at the scene to help rescue OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1. There was no identifying information provided regarding the Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan was able to get PASSENGER 1 and her dog in their vessel. At that time, the North Beach fireboat arrived on the scene and was able to rescue OPERATOR 1 from the water. The Good Samaritan vessel transferred PASSENGER 1 and their dog to the fireboat where they began warming up both individuals and their dog. By this time the vessel was completely submerged and an exact location was unknown. OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 were then transported back to Herrington Harbor South Marina as explained above.

        Anne Arundel County Fireboat 19 remained in the area of where the vessel sank. They were able to locate a possible location with their side scan sonar. The approximate GPS coordinates of the vessel  were recorded as N 38 degrees 45.215'  W -76 degrees 28.190'. These coordinates were forwarded to OPERATOR 1 for recovery operations by TowBoat. The coordinates were also given to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in order to broadcast a PonPon across marine channel 16 for a notice to mariners. The vessel is worth approximately $250,000. OPERATOR 1 advised that he contacted his insurance company, Chubb Insurance, and notified TowBoat of the situation. OPERATOR 1 stated that he would update me when Towboat plans to go out to assess the situation and attempt to lift the boat from the bottom. 

        On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, I made contact with OPERATOR 1 for an update on the situation. He advised that TowBoat has spent the past two days performing search patterns in hopes of locating the vessel, but has not had any luck doing so. I also received a call from a surveyor who was hired by Chubb Insurance. He advised that a USCG vessel would be assisting in the search for the vessel. As of the date above, the vessel still has not been located or recovered. At this point in time, the vessel is considered a complete loss.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0010
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:29:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Bridge-Wo
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 1, 2021 at approximately 9:32AM, I was dispatched to a call for an overturned vessel with four people in the water near buoy 86 on the Chesapeake Bay. I responded on NRP 894, arriving in the area at approximately 9:45AM. Once on scene I was advised that all four people were safely out of the water and being transported by the U.S. Coast Guard to Annapolis for medical evaluation. Officers located the overturned vessel in position N 38 55.562, W 076 23.69. The vessel, a 1993 Hydra-Sport 20, bearing Maryland Registration 0231DD was capsized and almost completely submerged with only a small section of the bow visible. 
    Operator stated that the incident occurred when the vessel was stopping its forward motion to reel in multiple fishing lines. With the vessel slowing its speed, a wave came over the transom, causing the vessel to capsize. The incident occurred quickly, and the four passengers were unable to get to the life jackets prior to going overboard.
    All four vessel occupants declined medical attention from Anne Arundel Fire/EMS and were released. Officers obtained written statements from the vessel occupants prior to them returning to Sandy Point State Park to retrieve their vehicles. Owner does not have tow insurance on the vessel, however he and another vessel owner plan to return to the vessel location and attempt to recover the vessel today.
    Owner was able to tow the submerged vessel to a boat ramp near the location of the incident but was unable to right the overturned vessel. Arrangements were made with Tow Boat US to return to the vessel on May 2, 2021 to complete the salvage and put the vessel back onto a trailer. Tow Boat US met the vessel owners at the submerged vessel at 10:00 AM on May 2, 2021. Attempts to right the vessel were successful. The vessel was trailered and towed to the owners residence. 
    All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
    This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2021-0011
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-04-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 357 Pier 1 Road, Stevensville
NearestCityorTown: Stevensville
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent3: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Improper lookout
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On April 25, 2021 at approximately 1822 hours, I CPL responded to call at Bay Bridge Marina at "I" dock for a sailboat that struck another vessel. I was on scene within 3-5 minutes of the call after being dispatched. Upon my arrival I made contact with the caller, who pointed to a sailboat nearby and stated that they hit his vessel several times. 

The sailboat at this time had yet to dock and seemed to be having difficulty doing so. There was also another vessel on "I" dock that witnessed the events as well. During speaking with the victim I had to leave and rush to "K" dock to try and assist this vessel in getting docked. While assisting this vessel into the slip I observed a white male subject wearing a bright orange shirt on the bow of the vessel. During my observation, it was very evident from my training, knowledge and experience that this subject was intoxicated. He was swaying, nearly falling several times, and slurring his speech. I yelled to the subject to sit down multiple times in which he did not comply. The male subject operating the vessel also told him to sit down because he was not complying to my orders. The subject on the bow of the vessel was identified.

Once the vessel was in reach, I grabbed a line that was attached to the vessel and pulled it to the dock and secured it. OFC was on scene during this time and assisted in securing the vessel. I could immediately smell a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanated from the subject. His speech was slurred and I was unable to understand what he was saying. While speaking to the operator, I asked him who was operating the vessel at the time of the collision he point to his son I and stated "he was". I asked Subject1 why he was now operating it and replied that he took over because his son was having difficulties. I asked him if they had been drinking that day and he stated that they all had been drinking.

Subject2 and I assisted Subject1 II off the vessel and due to his stated of intoxication both Subject2 and I had to assist him in getting off the vessel and walk him to land. Once we made it to land we told Subject1 II to have a seat on the ground and when attempting to sit he dropped very fast and off balance causing us to catch him to prevent any injuries to himself.

OFC Subject2 proceeded to interview this subject on the events that took place to include standardized field sobriety testing.

I assisted in getting Subject1 off the vessel next and advised him to stay near his vehicle, do not start the vehicle and wait for further instruction.

Once the scene was safe for the subjects and officer on scene, I went back to speak with the victim and the witnesses on "I" dock. The witness stated that the subject in the bright orange shirt was operating the vessel when it struck the pier and the victims boat. Witness1 stated that he struck the vessel several times and drove up onto the dock as well. (A witness statement was obtained from OFC Subject2 and attached)

The owner when speaking to him stated his vessel was struck several times, and when struck he fell. I did observe his nose was bleeding and when mentioning this to victim he was unaware said it was from when he fell, and didn't realize it was bleeding.


BARDID: MD-2021-0012
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Beauchamp Rd, Ocean Pines
NearestCityorTown: Berlin
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 15th at approximately 1500 hours the Maryland Natural Resources Police was on boat patrol in Ocean City on NRP vessel 832 when he heard a call for service from the DNR Communications Center of a boat accident that had just occurred near the White Horse Park Boat Ramp in Ocean Pines off of Beauchamp Rd in Berlin MD.
Officers responded to the area of the boat accident and met with the owners of both vessels involved in the boat accident. OPERATOR 2 is the owner of the 23' Trophy vessel bearing Maryland registration MD 4385BR that was struck by the pontoon boat bearing Maryland registration MD 7283 DC belonging to OPERATOR 1. Officers asked OPERATOR 2 what had occurred. OPERATOR 2 stated that OPERATOR 1 was backing his pontoon boat in reverse and struck his boat. Officers asked OPERATOR 1 what happened. OPERATOR 1 stated that he was operating in close proximity to the other vessel and going in reverse and that he became nervous in how close he was operating and instead of trying to go forward throttle mistook reverse for forward thus operating his boat in reverse direction and striking OPERATOR 2's boat in a tight canal near the boat ramp. 
OPERATOR 1 was very apologetic and stated that the accident was his fault and that he takes full responsibility. Officers took photos of the damage of OPERATOR 2's boat and asked OPERATOR 1 if any damage had occurred as result to OPERATOR 1's boat to which he replied there was none. Officers informed both parties of the boat accident process and gave them the NRP CAD number in reference to the boat accident. OPERATOR 2 estimated the damage to be around $2000. Both parties have exchanged information. 
Officers generated a boat accident report for the investigation. 
ALL EVENTS OCCURRED IN WORCESTER COUNTY


BARDID: MD-2021-0013
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:23:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 13045 US Ocean Gateway
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Grounding
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by propeller
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 15, 2021, officers were on boat patrol in the area of the Ocean City inlet in Isle of Wight Bay.  At approximately 1620 hours I was heading north under the Route 50 Bridge when I observed Ocean City Police and EMS running down the dock at Under Da Bridge Watersports located at 312 Talbot St, Ocean City.  They boarded a pontoon boat that was tied to the dock and at this time I turned my vessel around and pulled up to the dock as well.  As I approached the pontoon boat bearing registration MD 7343 LB I contacted DNR dispatch and advised my location and that I would be out with that vessel.  As I pulled up to the vessel I could see what appeared to be blood on the starboard stern part of the deck of the pontoon boat.  There were multiple individuals on the vessel including OCPD and EMS and several individuals moving up and down the dock.  At this time I observed a female on board the vessel that had been placed onto an EMS backboard and one of the EMS personnel advised she had been struck by the propeller of the pontoon boat.  EMS advised she was struck on the lower left leg below the knee.  I then contacted DNR dispatch and advised that there had been boating accident with injury and that OCPD and EMS were already on scene.  I also contacted another officer who was on duty in the area to respond to my location.

EMS were able to provide me with the victim's Driver's License before leaving in the ambulance.  The victim was identified as VICTIM 1.  EMS advised they would be evacuating her by helicopter due to the nature of the injury.  At this time I began gathering information from the passengers of the vessel and collecting identification for all individuals who were on board the vessel at the time of the accident.  After speaking with several passengers I discovered that the operator of the vessel and several of the other passengers were no longer on scene. I explained to the remaining passengers that all persons that had been on board needed to return to provide statements immediately.  At this time MNRP also arrived on scene and began assisting with collecting information from passengers.  We provided all passengers NRP 425A forms (Victim/Witness Statements) to fill out.  Several minutes later the operator of the vessel and remaining passengers were located and returned to the scene.  MNRP began speaking with the operator of the vessel who was identified as OPERATOR 1.  MNRP advised me that he would conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on OPERATOR 1 due to the nature of the accident and he had noticed an odor of alcoholic beverages on OPERATOR 1's breath. There were multiple open containers of "White Claw" alcoholic beverages aboard the vessel and the passengers all had strong odors of alcohol coming from their breath and clothing.  After MNRP conducted field sobriety it was determined that OPERATOR 1 had consumed some alcohol but was below the legal limit and not in violation of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. 

After all passengers had completed the NRP 425A forms, we also had OPERATOR 1 complete the form.  According to the passengers and OPERATOR 1, the rental vessel was taken to Seacrets restaurant/bar where the group had spent some time and consumed some alcohol.  When leaving Seacrets, OPERATOR 1 determined that the two authorized operators, VICTIM 1 and another occupant were not capable of safely operating the vessel.  OPERATOR 1 stated he had not consumed very much alcohol and felt he should operate the vessel to take it back to Under Da Bridge Watersports.  Soon after leaving Seacrets the vessel hit a sandbar which brought the vessel to a slow stop.  Several passengers jumped in the water at this time to urinate and help push the vessel off the sandbar.  After all passengers had got back on board except VICTIM 1, OPERATOR 1 re-started the motor; unaware that VICTIM 1 was still in the water near the motor.  At this time VICTIM 1's left leg was struck by the propeller.  Other passengers on board immediately brought VICTIM 1 on board the vessel and applied pressure to the wounds with a towel and tied a shirt around her leg to act as a tourniquet.  The group then called 911 and advised the situation and also contacted Under Da Bridge Watersports.  They were told EMS would be waiting for their arrival.
After speaking with all passengers and reading the vessel rental agreement provided by Under Da Bridge Watersports it was determined that OPERATOR 1 was not permitted to operate the vessel and that the only authorized operators were OCCUPANT 1 and the VICTIM 1.  It was also discovered that after leaving the rental company the group had picked up additional passengers that were not on the passenger manifest and therefore violating the carrying capacity of the vessel.  Initially there were 12 passengers when the vessel was rented and when the vessel returned there were 14.  There were not enough PFD's on board for the additional passengers.  Based on the nature of injury and the violation of rental terms I advised OCCUPANT 1 she would be receiving a citation for a violation of rental terms of a livery vessel.  I also advised OPERATOR 1 that I would be issuing him a citation for negligent operation of the vessel for failing to keep the engine powered off while individuals were in the water near the motor. 
On 5/18/21 I made contact with the victim, VICTIM 1 to follow up and check on how she was doing.  VICTIM 1 advised she was currently at University of Maryland Shock Trauma waiting to be released hopefully that same day.  She stated that she was initially flown to Tidal Health hospital in Salisbury and received 1 surgery on Saturday 5/15 and was transported to UMD Shock Trauma on 5/16 by ambulance where she received additional treatment and surgeries.  She said that she had 2 lacerations from the propeller on her lower left leg near her calf, but that there was no significant bone or nerve damage.  Her description of what happened matched what the other passengers stated on their statements. 
All events occurred in Worcester County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0014
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:37:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Town Point/Elk River
NearestCityorTown: Elkton
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/01/2021 at approximately 2137 hours, OPERATOR 1 was operating her 1999 26' Regal Cabin cruiser.  Onboard were her 2 daughters and their 4 children. PASSENGER 1 was standing to the left of her mom, OPERATOR 1, holding a child who was asleep.  All the other children were asleep in the cabin.  PASSENGER 2 was standing in the cabin too.  OPERATOR 1 stated they were all coming back from dinner at Shaefers Canal House on the C&D canal, cruising about 20 mph.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she looked down at her depth finder and then looked up and boom; struck a green channel marker in the area of Town Point on the Elk river. The boat came to quick stop. PASSENGER 1 and PASSENGER 2 were thrown into the cabin, PASSENGER 2 was thrown into a small table in cabin, and OPERATOR 1 was thrown into the dash.  Everyone was ok with just some bumps and bruises.
     OPERATOR 1 stated that boat wasn't taking on any water and still running fine so they decided to keep heading back to Charlestown Marina.  PASSENGER 2 called 911 and reported the accident.  They met up with a fireboat in the area of Turkey Point.  Fire boat crew determined everyone was ok and followed them back to Charlestown Marina.
     At 2220 hours, I met up with OPERATOR 1 and her family back at Charlestown Marina where I interviewed them.  I conducted a safety inspection on the damaged vessel and determined that alcohol was not a factor.  OPERATOR 1 was short a children's lifejacket on the safety inspection.  OPERATOR 1's vessel had several large cracks on the hull and her bow was smashed in by the eye hook with green paint transfer from the green channel marker.  All subjects onboard the vessel refused medical treatment.
     On 5/02/2021, while on boat patrol, an officer investigated the green channel markers on the Elk river in the area of Town Point.  He only observed some minor scuff marks on Green #19 channel marker.  The light on it was still functioning.  He also took some pictures of it that I included in report.
     On 5/04/2021, I met up with OPERATOR 1 at her residence.  She told me that her boat was pulled out of the water today and damage estimate was done by a Fiberglass boat repair company.  They estimated the damage being at least $36000.00, which insurance company then said vessel was totaled.  I issued OPERATOR 1 2 citations:  Insufficient number of PFDs, and Failure to maintain a proper lookout.  Investigation complete and case is closed.  All events occurred in Cecil County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0015
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 455 South Lore Rd, Solomons
NearestCityorTown: Solomons
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Unknown
Wind: Light
Visibility: Unknown
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On Thursday, May 6, 2021, at approximately 12:25 pm Maryland Natural Resources Police received a call for a vessel on fire at Spring Cove Marina (Mill Creek), located at 455 Lore Road, Solomons, Maryland 20688. 
I arrived on the scene at 12:47 pm. The fire had been extinguished by Solomons Volunteer Fire Department, Engine 33. I was informed by marina staff that no one was aboard or near the vessel when the fire started. 
Marine staff was eating lunch at a nearby table when he noticed the fire.  The vessel, a 22 foot, blue and silver, SunTraker, Pontoon bearing Maryland registration 3851 LB was tied on B Dock in slip 21 and is owned by Spring Cove Marina.
OWNER 1 arrived on scene and stated that the vessel was having electrical issues and the marina staff replaced the battery a few hours earlier. Maryland State Fire Marshal was contacted and advised that the fire was due to an electrical malfunction. OWNER 1 stated that he estimated the damage to the vessel to be $2500.00 and he was not planning on repairing it. He stated that he would discard the vessel. No other vessels were damaged during the fire, however, 2 pilings owned by the marina have minor charring. (Pictures attached to report)
All events occurred in Calvert County, MD.
This case is closed.


BARDID: MD-2021-0016
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:58:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay and Tribs-Bay Brg-Cov
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with commercial vessel
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Sharp turn
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On 05/06/2021 at approximately 9:00 PM, Maryland Natural Resource Police, responded to a call from DNR Communications for a flare sighting on the Chesapeake Bay, south of the Bay Bridge. The call then evolved into a boating emergency for a capsized vessel. Through a further investigation it was found that a second vessel was involved, and an unknown barge. There were people reported to be in the water, with one possibly trapped in the capsized vessel. Eight Maryland Natural Resource Police Officers also responded to the call.    
Myself and OFC 1 responded to the call aboard NRP 147 out of Sandy Point State Park at approximately 9:05 PM. I operated the vessel while OFC 1 was on watch. At the same time Anne Arundel Fire Department (AAFD) was boarding their vessel in response to the call. We left Mezick Pond and located the incident site, where AAFD and Coast Guard were onsite with the capsized vessel; a twenty foot and four inch 1996 Angler, Maryland registration 4657 BC, HIN ANGW0505D696. Myself and OFC 1 arrived on scene at approximately 9:15 PM. AAFD evacuated three Hispanic male subjects from the water. They were later identified as OPERATOR 1, the owner and operator of the capsized vessel, and two other passengers. AAFD advised that a fourth male subject, was trapped in the cuddy cabin of the overturned vessel.
OFF 2 arrived onscene aboard NRP 850 at approximately 9:20. AAFD transferred the three rescued subjects to NRP 850, and OFC 1 joined OFC 2 to transport the subjects to Sandy Point State Park to meet EMS. Once onshore, they were treated by EMS. None of the subjects had suffered any physical injuries. All three subjects were interviewed by OFC 1 joined OFC 2
At approximately 9:25 PM, Officers 3, OFC 4, and OFC 5 arrived on NRP 894. OFC 3, a member of the MD NRP Dive Team, had received permission from SOD to dive and assess the situation. OFC 3 entered the water at approximately 9:35 PM. In his assessment, OFC 3 found VICTIM 1 in the cabin, alive and wearing a life jacket. OFC 3 was able to reach VICTIM 1 and rescue him from the vessel cabin. VICTIM 1 was taken aboard City of Annapolis Fireboat 36 and received treatment for hypothermia. OFC 4 accompanied VICTIM 1 aboard Fireboat 36 back to Sandy Point State Park. Officers OFC 3 and OFC 5 returned to Sandy Point State Park aboard NRP 894. VICTIM 1 was evacuated by Maryland State Police Aviation to University of Maryland Medical Center.
A second vessel, a twenty three foot 1992 Bayliner X, MD 1557 CJ, HIN BIYA02FTF192 was identified to be involved in the accident. The operator of the vessel was identified as OPERATOR 2 by OFC 4. The Bayliner’s bow pulpit had been broken off during the accident.
I remained on scene with the overturned vessel along with AAFD, awaiting word for when Sea Tow would be able to recover the vessel for the owners. At approximately 10:55 PM, AAFD cleared the scene, leaving the overturned vessel in my charge. OFC 1 contacted me at approximately 11:00 PM, and advised me that Sea Tow was not going to be arriving that evening. OFC 1 asked if I would be capable of towing the capsized vessel to Matapeake where it would be secure and not a hazard to navigation. I advised that I was, and would make my way there with the vessel as soon as I had it secured for towing. While underway towards Matapeake, OFC 6 took up an escort position approximately two hundred feet off my starboard side aboard NRP 150. At approximately 11:35, I was less than two nautical miles from Matapeake when OFC 1 contacted me again. He advised that I needed to turn around and bring the overturned vessel back across the Bay, and find a location close to Sandy Point State Park to anchor it. I acknowledged, and changed course back to the western side of the Bay.
At approximately 12:10 AM, 05/07/2021, I arrived at GPS coordinates N38*59'54" W076*23'58", which is between the Bay Bridge and the top of Hackett’s Bar. OFC 6 pulled alongside and rendered assistance in anchoring the vessel. We secured an anchor to the D ring on the keel of the capsized vessel, with enough line to account for tide change. Subsequently, we attached a life jacket to line on the D ring as well. At this time I took pictures of the vessel, and while doing so noticed the bottom tip of the outboard motor was bent and mangled. Along the starboard side of the capsized vessel I found multiple markings that were likely caused by the propeller of the secondary vessel. I then released the capsized vessel from NRP 147, allowing it to drift free. Once it had drifted approximately ten feet clear, I threw the anchor. OFC 6 and I remained on scene to ensure that the capsized vessel remained anchored, and would not drift further into the Bay.
At approximately 1:05 AM, myself and OFC 6 cleared the scene.
On 05/13/2021 at approximately 9:00 AM I met with OPERATOR 2 at Sandy Point State Park for an interview about the accident. OPERATOR 2 advised that on 05/06/2021 he had left Sandy Point State Park at approximately 5:00 PM. He was accompanied by two others. They fished for approximately three hours before OPERATOR 2’s vessel ran out of fuel. OPERATOR 2’s companions advised that their friend was out fishing on his boat, and could help. OPERATOR 1 met with OPERATOR 2, and took them aboard his vessel, before attaching lines to tow OPERATOR 2’s disabled boat back to Sandy Point State Park. OPERATOR 2 remained aboard his boat for the ride back. At an unknown time, OPERATOR 1 realized that he was in a head on collision course with an ‘unlit’ barge. OPERATOR 2 saw OPERATOR 1 maneuver his vessel out of the path of the barge to avoid a head-on collision, and instead impacted with the side of the barge. The impact threw OPERATOR 1’s vessel off, and the wake from the barge forced it to capsize. The violence of force from OPERATOR 1’s vessel capsizing wrenched the towline attached to OPERATOR 2’s vessel, and it broke the bow pulpit from his vessel. OPERATOR 2 ignited flares, and tried signaling to the barge with his horn.
On 05/13/2021 at approximately 1:00 PM I met with OPERATOR 1 at Sandy Point State Park for an interview about the accident. OPERATOR 1 advised that on 05/06/2021 he had left Sandy Point State Park at approximately 4:00 PM to go fishing. He had one passenger onboard when he left. They travelled south, and had not yet begun to fish when PASSENGER 1 received a call from OPERATOR 2 asking for assistance after running out of fuel. OPERATOR 1 turned his vessel around, and went to assist OPERATOR 2. Upon arrival, OPERATOR 1 took OPERATOR 2’s passengers aboard his vessel, and secured a line to the bow of the disabled vessel to a stern cleat on his vessel. OPERATOR 1 then proceeded to tow the disabled Bayliner on a north east course towards the Bay Bridge to return to Sandy Point State Park. All passengers onboard were outside of the cabin. When they were approximately a mile from the bridge, OPERATOR 1 realized that he was on a collision course with a barge. OPERATOR 1 was able to steer his vessel to port and avoid a head on collision, but still impacted with the side of the barge. The force of the impact and the wake thrown from the barge caused OPERATOR 1’s vessel to capsize. OPERATOR 1, PASSENGER 1, and PASSENGER 2 were able to swim clear of the capsized vessel. VICTIM 1 was trapped inside the cuddy cabin of the capsized vessel.


BARDID: MD-2021-0017
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-22 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 4160 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Bea
NearestCityorTown: Chesapeake Beach
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 22, 2021 at approximately 2:15pm Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a jet ski accident in the Chesapeake Bay in the area Chesapeake Beach. Dispatch advised that no injuries were sustained as a result of the collision.
I arrived at LIVERY in Chesapeake Beach and made contact with employees who stated a renter of one of their Sea Doo’s had struck green channel marker number 3 just outside of Fishing Creek. OPERATOR 1, hereinafter referred to as OPERATOR 1, was the operator of the Sea Doo at the time of the accident. 
OPERATOR 1 provided a written statement of the accident which is attached to this report. OPERATOR 1 was heading West out from Fishing Creek onto the Chesapeake Bay when the Sea Doo, a green and black, 11’1’’, 2019 BRP Queretaro, bearing Maryland registration 5821 CT, lost power and steerage resulting in the collision. OPERATOR 1 stated that he was not exceeding six knots when the vessel’s front port side struck the pole of the marker. The Sea Doo was towed back to LIVERY, located on Fishing Creek, by an employee. OPERATOR 1 declined any medical treatment on scene
OPERATOR 1 completed a Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rental Test before getting underway on the Sea Doo. At the time of the accident he was wearing a personal floatation device and had an engine cutoff lanyard attached to his person.
LIVERY employees advised that the vessel was still running and had not taken on any water after the impact with the pole. Pictures of the damage are attached.
All events occurred in Calvert County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0018
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-08 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Elk River-Welch Point, Elkton
NearestCityorTown: Chesapeake City
County: Cecil
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Storm
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Weather
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/08/2021 at 1540 hours, Cecil county 911 received a call for an injured subject from a fall on a sailboat in the area of Welch's Point, Elk River at the mouth of the C&D canal.  US Coast Guard, Fire, EMS, and MD Natural Resource Police were all dispatched to this call.  US Coast Guard was first on the scene with the sailboat at 1615 hours.  They advised that the injured subject was highly intoxicated and being hostile.  Coast Guard requested officers meet them at Port Herman Community Pier on the Elk River.  
     I arrived on scene and US Coast Guard had the sailboat in question in tow.  Chesapeake City Fireboat was also on scene.  The white 1988 32' Custom steel Sailboat had a large keel on the vessel, so Coast Guard was unable to tow it to the Port Herman Pier due to shallow water conditions.  So Fireboat transported the victim, OWNER 1, vessel owner, to the Pier.  OWNER 1 was in handcuffs due to him being aggressive and hostile with Coast Guard personnel.  OWNER 1 had a cut going across his face and noticeable bumps and bruises on his head.  He was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital for evaluation.  Coast Guard then towed OWNER 1's vessel, along with its operator, OPERATOR 1, to the Army Corp of Engineers in Chesapeake City, which was right up the C&D canal from where we were.
     I met the Coast Guard at the Army Corp and helped them secure the vessel there.  Upon speaking with OPERATOR 1, I noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath and person.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he and OWNER 1 were headed to Summit Marina, on the C & D Canal in Delaware.  OPERATOR 1 stated that OWNER 1 had his 2 dogs on the sailboat, and that they had gotten scared from the storm that was going on.  OPERATOR 1 stated that OWNER 1 wanted to check on the dogs and get something for them so he had him operate the vessel.  OPERATOR 1 stated that OWNER 1 went to get into the cabin, its approximately 10 foot below deck, and fell head first into the cabin, striking a table and then the floor, knocking himself unconscious.  OPERATOR 1 stated that OWNER 1 was unconscious for about 20 minutes and he didn't know what to do.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he called his family members, telling them what happened and they told him to call 911, so he called 911.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was operating the vessel at 6.5 mph, in gear moving forward from its Yanmar 20hp motor when OWNER 1 fell.  OPERATOR 1 stated that during all this, he only saw one dog, so he thought one of the dogs was missing. 
     Coast Guard advised that when they arrived on scene, OPERATOR 1 was operating the sailboat.  I asked OPERATOR 1 if he had consumed any alcohol today and he stated that he had drank 4-5 shots of Vodka, and at least one "tall boy" 25oz beer.  He stated that he and OWNER 1 were "both drunk" from drinking alcohol today.  OPERATOR 1 stated, " I know I drank to much and should have not been driving the boat".  
At 1815 hours, I, started Standardized Field Sobriety Testing on OPERATOR 1 at the Army Corp of Engineers parking lot.  The area used was a flat concrete debris free road for the sobriety testing.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he takes medication every night, Clonazepam (1mg), Risperidone (3mg), and Zonisamide (100 mg).  He stated that he had taken those meds the previous night.  He had the medicines with him and showed them to me, and both, Clonazepam and Risperidone had warning labels saying "Do not drink alcohol with this medication".  I asked OPERATOR 1 if he had any medical conditions that could effect his field sobriety testing and he stated that he has had previous strokes that effected the right side of his body, and has very limited use of his right arm.  I asked him if he was capable of performing the SFSTs and he said he was "willing to try".  The SFSTs exercises conducted, which are outlined in this report, were administered in compliance with NHTSA protocols.  
     I told OPERATOR 1 that he had failed field sobriety tests and that I had to read him his Advise of Rights (NRP 482 form).  At 1834 hours, I read him the form.  He stated, "Doesn't want to waste my time" and go blow because he is under the influence.  I asked him if he was intoxicated by alcohol, and he stated, "I am".  OPERATOR 1 chose not to submit to a Alcohol concentration test.  He was apologetic to myself and Coast guard.  
     I issued OPERATOR 1 his citations and 2 warnings.  I waited with him until a family member came and picked him up.  OWNER 1 was at Christiana Hospital until late in the evening until he was released to a sober driver.  OWNER 1 picked up his vessel the next day from Army Corp of Engineers.  All events occurred in Cecil County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0019
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-09 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sandy Point State Park
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Capsizing
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 09, 2021, at approximately 4:10 PM, officers arrived on scene at Sandy Point State Park for a report of a PWC accident. When I arrived on scene both female subjects had been recovered and were being treated by Anne Arundel County EMS. I was advised by another officer to follow the subjects to Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis to collect witness statements. When I arrived at the hospital, I made contact with EMS members from Ambulance 199, who showed me what room the juvenile victim was being treated in. I was able to get a statement from OPERATOR 1. She stated that she was operating the vessel prior to it flipping over. She stated that they were not moving when it capsized, they were just floating. When the Jet Ski capsized she was pinned under it for a short period of time but was able to swim to the surface. She did have a PFD and engine cut off switch on. She also stated she did not possess a boater safety card and said it was the first time using the Jet Ski. A copy of the statement is attached to the report.
    I later spoke with PASSENGER 1 who was brought in by Medic 46. I was able to collect a statement from her as well. She stated the Jet Ski was not moving at the time it capsized. She stated after it flipped over she tried to flip it back over but could not get it. She grabbed on to the bottom of the Jet Ski and started to blow a whistle. She kept doing that until units were on scene and pulled her out of the water. Attached to the report is a copy of her witness statement. 
    All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
  On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, at approximately 1533 hours, Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to a call for service regarding two individuals in the water that were clinging to their overturned SeaDoo, off of the small craft launch located at Sandy Point State Park, Chesapeake Bay. DNR dispatch was notified by park staff. Park staff reported that the two individuals were wearing life jackets, could not right the SeaDoo, and were drifting north. The SeaDoo and the two victims were approximately 600 to 700 yards off of the Sandy Point beach area. Units responded by land to get a visual at the small craft launch.
                At 1539 hours, I notified dispatch that I was underway NRP894 and en route to the location. The weather conditions were as follows: winds south/southeast 10 to 20 MPH with gusts to 30, waves were 2 to 3 feet or greater, the water temperature was 62 degrees, and the air temperature was around 60 degrees. At 1542 hours, I arrived on the scene. The two victims were clinging to each other and were approximately 20 yards from the SeaDoo that was partially sunk. The GPS coordinates were N39.01591’ and W076.39020’. Immediately, I made contact with the two victims and could see that one was struggling more than the other. The first victim was taking waves into her face and inhaling water. She was struggling to breathe and to keep her head above the water. I tossed them a rope and pulled both of them to the starboard side of the vessel. I explained to the second victim that I would pull the first victim in and advised the second victim to push off from the boat so that the vessel did not get pushed over top of her due to the rough water. At 1543 hours, I notified dispatch that I had the first victim in the vessel. Then, I reset the positioning of the vessel to rescue the second victim safely. At 1545 hours, I notified dispatch that I had the second victim in the vessel. Then, I notified dispatch to contact Anne Arundel County EMS and have them respond to meet me at the Sandy Point State Park boat ramps. The first victim coughed up water numerous times. Both victims were having trouble using their limbs due to the cold water. I moved both victims to the forward seating of NRP894 to take them to be checked by AA County EMS personnel.

                At 1603 hours, I met EMS personnel at the Sandy Point State Park boat ramps where first aid was administered. EMS personnel advised that they would be transporting both individuals since both were showing signs of hypothermia. Other officers arrived on the scene at 1610 hours and advised that they would be going to Anne Arundel Medical Center to gather witness statements and receive an update on the conditions of both victims. 
                On Wednesday, May 12th, 2021, I made contact with Victim’s father, to check up on the status of his daughter, and passenger 1. He advised that both were doing well and still a bit shaken up. I advised that before he allows anybody else on the SeaDoo, he needs to make sure whoever operates it has a boater's safety certificate. I explained that they could take the course online. He understood. I provided him with my contact information in case he has additional questions.
                All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0020
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-15 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:24:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Hart Miller Island State Park,
NearestCityorTown: Sparrows Point
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Calm
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentEvent2: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, May 15th at approximately 0040 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call out for a call of a small white cabin vessel with 3 persons on board in the vicinity of Hart Miller Island taking on water.
After being advised through dispatch that the vessel was being towed to Bills Boats at 9033 Cuckold Point Road in Sparrows Point, I started to the address in my assigned marked patrol vehicle.
Per dispatch, the United States Coast Guard advised that one subject was being transported by ambulance to John Hopkins Bayview due to a head injury.
Per Baltimore County Fire on scene, the vessel with the 2 other passengers was being towed to the Wilson Point Boat Ramp in Essex. Chesapeake Marine was doing the tow. I then proceeded to Wilson Point Boat Ramp in my marked patrol vehicle and waited for the vessel to arrive.
Upon the vessel’s arrival, I made contact with OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1. Both men were identified by their State Driver’s Licenses. The vessel was bearing a Maryland registration of MD 0693 DA. The vessel had damage to the starboard side of the bow.
OPERATOR 1 stated that he was operating the vessel at the time of the accident. I asked OPERATOR 1 if he had anything to drink. OPERATOR 1 stated that he had “1 or 2 teas”. OPERATOR 1 asked if he could get his boat on the trailer. I asked to run a quick eye test before letting him drive. I then ran an HGN test, which had 4/6 clues (lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes). I then advised dispatch to start the 15 minute acclimation period at 0238 hours.
I then collected witness statements from both OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1. Both OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 advised me that the accident had been caused by a wave.
I told OPERATOR 1 that I would like to run SFSTs before he drove. He agreed to do so. I began to conduct SFSTs at 0300 hours. The results were as follows:
HGN – 3/6 (lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in left eye)
WAT – 1/8
OLS – 0/4
I then had OPERATOR 1 blow into a PBT, rendering a result of .079 BAC.
After the vessel was pulled out and on the trailer, I noticed damage to the starboard side of the hull.
I then waited with the 2 men until a ride arrived for them. While waiting I took pictures of the vessel, registration, OPERATOR 1’s Boater Safety card, and all three persons’ identifications.
I also asked PASSENGER 1 where everyone was sitting at the time of the accident. PASSENGER 1 advised me that he was sitting in the chair on the left side of the vessel, OPERATOR 1 was in the chair on the right side of the vessel, and victim was behind him.
OPERATOR 1’s vehicle, and the vessel on the trailer, were left at Wilson Point Park.
That morning, I went out on a marked patrol vessel to the vicinity of where the accident occurred with Corporal of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. After looking at several day markers in the area, we came across a day marker (Red Marker 10) that had scrape marks and what appears to be paint transfer.
Pictures of the day marker are attached to this report.
After looking at the damage to the vessel; given my training, knowledge, and experience, the vessel had damage to the hull as if it struck a solid object. There was cracked and exposed fiberglass along the starboard side of the hull, which looked like it could have been caused by impact with a solid object.
At this time, family members have advised me that victim is not in a condition to provide a statement.
All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.
On Sunday, May 30th, 2021 Maryland Natural Resources Police met with OPERATOR 1
We went over the watercraft accident report with OPERATOR 1.
We also went over OPERATOR 1’s Witness Statement that was filled out the night of the accident. OPERATOR 1 stated that he “may have hit something in the water.”
I issued OPERATOR 1 the following citations:
NR0170U50 – MR 08-18.01.05(B) – NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A VESSEL
NR0180U50 – MR 08-18.01.04(A) – FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATION RULES – RULES OF THE ROAD – RULE 8 – ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION
I issued OPERATOR 1 the following warnings:
NRWNRP169200149 – MR 08-18.01.04(A) - FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATION RULES – RULES OF THE ROAD
NRWNRP169200150 - MR 08-18.01.04(A) - FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATION RULES – RULES OF THE ROAD – RULE 5
NRWNRP169200151 - MR 08-18.01.04(A) - FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATION RULES – RULES OF THE ROAD – RULE 7
NRWNRP169200152 - MR 08-18.01.04(B) – UNSAFE SPEED FOR CONDITIONS – RULES OF THE ROAD
 All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.
S


BARDID: MD-2021-0021
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 20:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle River-Sue Creek
NearestCityorTown: Essex
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at approximately 2017 hours Maryland atural Resources Police, was on patrol in the area of Patapsco River onboard marked patrol vessel NRP-892 when I was dispatched to a call of a vessel fire in Sue Creek in the area of Red Eye Yacht Club.
Upon arrival, Bowley’s Quarters Volunteer Fire, Baltimore County Fire Department, and Baltimore County Police land units were on scene. There was a vessel in the water, bearing Maryland registration MD 5961 AZ. The vessel registration came back to a 1976 Pacemaker (30 feet, 6 inches length). The vessel had been burned down to the water line, with some of the bow and bow rails above the water. Pictures of the vessel are attached to this report.
I was advised by Baltimore County Police that one subject was taken to Bayview Medical Center for treatment of burns (status was Priority 1). The subject was VICTIM 1. Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to Bayview Medical Center to obtain a witness statement from VICTIM 1. I remained on scene with the vessel.
Officers made contact with victim at Bayview Medical Center. VICTIM 1 stated that he was pouring gasoline into the vessel carburetor. After that, VICTIM 1 pushed the vessel start button and when he did the motor backfired, causing a fireball. VICTIM 1 was burned by the explosion and jumped in the water. He remained in the water until being told by a Baltimore County officer to come out of the water.
There was also a vessel bearing the name “Delilah” in a slip behind the boat fire that sustained damage. The starboard side of the vessel had been exposed to extreme heat. Pictures of the vessel “Delilah” are attached to this report. The vessel “Delilah” has a US Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation attached to this report (COD# 1234690). Per the vessel’s owner, “Delilah” is a 40’, 2011 MJM vessel, model 40Z.
I obtained a witness statement from him on May 23, 2021 at Bowerman’s Marina in White Marsh.
On May 28, 2021 I made contact with Owner 2, who also owns the pier that VICTIM 1’s boat was docked. Owner 2 estimated the damage to his vessel, Delilah, at $50,000.00 and the property damage at $7,000.00 (6 pilings, 2 stringers, 22 plank boards, and 2 shore power setups).
I also attempted to contact VICTIM 1 on May 28, 2021 to obtain the damage value for his vessel. I called the number given on his witness statement. There was no answer. I will continue to attempt to make contact with VICTIM 1.
All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0022
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-21 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:07:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chesapeake Bay-Swan Point
NearestCityorTown: Rock Hall
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Carbon monoxide exposure
AccidentCause1: Unknown
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 21, 2021 at approximately 0900, MNRP along with officers from the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Maryland - NCR, were on a joint marine patrol when I was dispatched to a boating emergency with a passenger that was suffering from suspected cardiac arrest.  I relayed the information to the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessel.  The coxswain of the vessel with the aid of another member began to navigate to the vicinity of navigational aid “Green 15”, north east of Swan Point on the Chesapeake Bay.  
Several minutes later we arrived at the vessel “Problem Child” to see four passengers at the stern of the vessel.  Coxswain maneuvered the vessel to the starboard side of the vessel.  The Coast Guard and MNRP boarded the vessel to assess the medical emergency.  Immediately upon boarding the vessel we noticed OPERATOR 1, the owner and operator of the vessel suffering from a life threating medical emergency. OPERATOR 1 appeared to be disoriented, confused, and in pain. The other passengers stated that he has had heart conditions in the past. Little did we know at the time, we had just stepped into the beginning of a mass causality event. Coast Guard members and myself started to assess and prepare OPERATOR 1 for transport back to Rock Hall Harbor where emergency services had staged. The other three passengers started to say that they too were not feeling well.  I could see that they could not stand unassisted and were disoriented. Coast Guard members and I started to hand off OPERATOR 1 to another member for transport back to Rock Hall. 
PASSENGER 1, passed out and started to fall when Coast Guard member grabbed him right before his head hit the deck. PASSENGER 1 is about 6 foot tall and well over 300 pounds.  Now we have two passengers down, one suffering from a reported heart attack and the other from something unknown. I placed two type 4 PFDs under his head and placed him on his side in the recovery position. 
Coast Guard members and myself turned our attention, once again, at getting OPERATOR 1 off his vessel and getting him placed on the deck of the U. S. Coast Guard patrol vessel. Coast Guard members attended to him until Emergency Medical Technicians arrived on scene. All attention then turned to the remaining passengers. PASSENGER 1 was in and out of consciousness and other passengers were becoming disoriented, confused, and unresponsive to questions.  Something on or in the vessel was adversely affecting these passengers and if not removed immediately the situation would soon turn grave. I made the decision that all parties would have to be removed from “Problem Child” and placed on the Coast Guard vessel and transported to Rock Hall Harbor, where all passengers could be treated medically.  EMT arrived by vessel from Rock Hall and started to assist but the situation was declining fast, and all parties had to be transported posthaste.
Kent Island's fire boat arrived at "Problem Child" as we were departing to return to Rock Hall. They scanned and anchored the vessel finding extremely high levels of carbon monoxide. They departed the vessel after opening all doors and windows so the vessel could ventilate. 
While transporting the subjects back to Rock Hall, Coast Guard members asked if I smelled "rotten eggs" and I told him that I didn't smell anything like that. I thought that I could smell exhaust fumes and maybe fuel, which was strange because the vessel was not running when we boarded. 
Arriving back to the bulkhead in Rock Hall Harbor emergency personnel were standing by.  OPERATOR 1 was airlifted to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, two passengers were ground transported to Chestertown Hospital for further treatment and observation. Another passenger was evaluated, treated on location, and refused any further medical attention.

The passenger asked how he could get back to the vessel.  I told him that it was not advisable to return to the vessel at this time and that it will have to be towed back to Flying Point Marina in Edgewood, Maryland. I told him that he would have to contact Sea Tow or Towboat USA to have the vessel towed to the marina.  I also advised him to inform the company that the vessel has high levels of carbon monoxide and to use caution.  He agreed. 
After all patients were transported I along with the Coast Guard crew traveled back to the vessel to ensure that it was anchored and get information from the vessel. When we arrived back at "Problem Child" there was a strange smell in the area.  We didn't board the vessel. 
Several hours later the tow boat captain called the communications center and stated that he could smell something strange and he believed it to be a drug lab on the vessel.  The vessel was towed back to Flying Point Marina where NRP Officers and a hazmat team from Harford County were waiting.  The vessel was searched by the hazmat team and nothing but high levels of carbon monoxide were present. All units cleared. 
All events occurred in Kent and Harford Counties. No further police action is required at this time.


BARDID: MD-2021-0024
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:00:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 3561 Narragansett Ave, Eastpor
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentEvent3: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 5/25/21 at approximately 7:00 P.M., Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call from DNR Communications for a vessel in distress near Eastport, MD by Fishing Creek in Anne Arundel County, MD. It was reported that a vessel had capsized in the area and that 7 people are currently in the water. Anne Arundel County Fire Boat 19 was en route at the time.
The vessel operator would later be identified as OPERATOR 1 along with 6 other passengers who were leaving the Severn River after the Blue Angels practice show, en route back to Mikes Crab House on the South River. As they were approaching the mouth of Fishing Creek, their boat engine had died and struggled to restart. Shortly afterward, the vessel began to take swells over the port side due to the rough weather conditions and caused the vessel to take on water and capsize approximately 100 yards from the reporting party’s address. A Good Samaritan who was not interviewed, witnessed the vessel capsize and assisted in his Boston Whaler. Good Samaritan took the 7 individuals to shore and left.
Anne Arundel County Fire Board arrived on scene at approximately 7:14 P.M. and checked out the 7 passengers of the vessel on shore. The vessel party declined medical attention, and AACo Cleared the scene once everyone was deemed ok. 
MNRP arrived on scene at approximately 7:30 P.M. and found the vessel capsized approximately 30 yards from the reporting party’s pier at GPS Coordinates of N38.91623’ / W076.45818’. The vessel was later identified as 1997 18’ Seapro bearing Maryland Registration “6240 BE.”. After gaining permission from the landowner, the vessel was towed and docked at until later removed by boat owner the next day. 
On 5/30/2021, I was able to get in contact with BOAT OWNER about and the estimated damage cost to his vessel. He advised me that the vessel will most likely be considered a total loss and estimated at around $10,500. The electrical wiring, canvas top, compartments, and the engine had been damaged and submerged for over 36 hours after inspected at Holiday Hill Marina. He would have more information to provide to me on the following Tuesday from State Farm insurance company. I called to ask if he had more detailed information on the passengers of the vessel due to the little info that was able to be gathered on their identification. At the time of the incident, most of the passenger’s wallets had been lost in the water when the vessel capsized. BOAT OWNER advised that they are all college friends who left for a 2-month trip and will not have phone service.
More information on the incident will be submitted through additional reporting. 
This case is closed. 
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0025
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:08:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/05/2021 at approximately 1810 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland for a single PWC accident, reported after the fact. While I was responding to AGH, MNRP responded to Boat Rental Company to obtain vessel information for me.
Upon arrival, I made contact with the victim who identified herself by her Maryland Driver’s license as OPERATOR 1. OPERATOR 1 stated she was the sole victim of the accident and the PWC wasn’t damaged. OPERATOR 1 stated she was operating against the waves and hit a wave that caused her to fall forward into the handlebars/ console of the PWC striking above her right eye. OPERATOR 1 said she was fine but did receive a few stitches due to the laceration. OPERATOR 1 completed a voluntary statement outlining what she described to me. I cleared AGH and returned to service.
MNRP provided me with the vessel information and stated there wasn’t any damage to the vessel. The vessel OPERATOR 1 was operating was a 2021 Yamaha VX and it displayed Maryland registration “MD 8979 LB.”
Cleared without further incident.
All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0026
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-19 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:11:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Sassafras River-Main Stem, Ear
NearestCityorTown: Georgetown
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Failure to vent
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Wednesday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 19, 2021 at approximately 1700 hours, Maryland Natural Resources Police was on patrol in the area of the Corsica River when I was contacted by Lieutenant who informed me there was a boat fire in the Sassafras River and a Cecil County NRP unit was already on scene.  
Upon arrival at the Sassafras River at approximately 1800 hours, I was met by Maryland Natural Resources Police, who was going to take me to the scene of the burned vessel. MNRP OFFICER explained that the owner of the vessel was not on board at the time of the incident but resides in New Jersey. MNRP OFFICER explained to me he was on patrol when he observed a vessel on fire and immediately drove to the patrol boat located at the Georgetown bridge. MNRP OFFICER assisted the fire department and attempted to make contact with the owner via cell phone several times but was unsuccessful. MNRP OFFICER asked the Communication Center to call New Jersey State Police to make contact with the owner at his residence to make sure he was not involved in the vessel. New Jersey State Police located the owner identified as OWNER 1; hereinafter referred to as OWNER 1, and explained that his vessel was involved in a fire. The fire department towed OWNER 1's vessel to the nearest point of land and tied the vessel to a tree to secure it. OWNER 1's vessel can be described as a white 35 foot 2001 Victory Catamaran bearing MD registration 4202 BN. I contacted the fire marshall and they stated they would not be taking a report for the vessel. I will be following up with OWNER 1 to make sure his vessel is removed from it's current location. 
On May 20, 2021 at approximately 1700 hours, I contacted OWNER 1 and assured him that his boat was secured. He stated when he left his vessel, he turned off the AC/DC switches and left the solar panels charging. OWNER 1 believes the panels became too hot and there was no ventilation which caused the fire. OWNER 1 stated he will be back soon to retrieve his vessel and would keep me updated on the details.  
All events occurred in Kent County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0027
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:26:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Severn River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Crownsville
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentEvent2: Person departed vessel
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 23, 2021, at about 1226 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call from DNR Communications in regards to a vessel fire in the area of Saint. Helena Island on the Severn River, Annapolis, MD. It was reported that a 21' vessel was on fire with three people on board. MNRP initiated an immediate response from Sandy Point State Park aboard a marked NRP Patrol vessel. 
MNRP arrived at the scene at about 1245 hours. We saw a white colored vessel completely engulfed in flames, about 40' from shore. Members of the USCG Auxiliary and the Anne Arundel County Fire Department were at the scene upon our arrival. Anne Arundel County Fire Boat began to extinguish the fire. The USCG Auxiliary vessel had the three vessel occupants that were on the aforementioned vessel, aboard their vessel. None of the victims were reported to have any injuries nor did they need any medical attention.
    The vessel was a 21' Godfrey Marine, white in color, bearing Maryland vessel registration MD1922DA. The vessel owner and operator was later identified as OPERATOR 1. The other passengers were identified as PASSENGER 1 & 2.   
     I asked OPERATOR 1 what happened.  He replied, "We were underway and I heard a loud pop come from the bilge area and then the vessel started to catch on fire." OPERATOR 1 advised everyone to jump into the water. OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 1 put on PFDs before jumping in while PASSENGER 2 had a PFD on during the entire trip. OPERATOR 1 was at the vessel's operator station at the time the fire first started. PASSENGER 1 was sitting on the front port side, while PASSENGER 2 was sitting at the front starboard side. 
    While handling the call for service, another priority drowning call for service was dispatched for Sandy Point State Park. I left the scene of the fire since everything was under control and responded to the drowning. I would later make contact with the AACO Fire Department about the conclusion of the vessel fire call for service. 
    OPERATOR 1 contacted Tow Boat US to handle the removal of the vessel. The vessel was towed back to Smiths Marina, and is a total loss. The vessel is valued at $5000.00. OPERATOR 1 advised that the vessel was not insured.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0028
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 18:17:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Duck Cove Rd, Oakland
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Ignition of spilled fuel or vapor
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/06/2020, at approximately 6:00 PM, Maryland Natural Resources Police was on marked patrol of Deep Creek Lake on vessel NRP806. I was patrolling the lake south of the Glendale Bridge when I saw a disabled vessel, white and blue in color near the west shoreline. The operator of the boat was waving me down. The owner/ operator of the boat, later identified by his Maryland Driver’s License as OPERATOR 1. OPERATOR 1 stated he had just picked his boat up from repair shop. I tied off to OPERATOR 1's boat, a blue and white Cobalt with registration MD3616CS. OPERATOR 1 stated he was riding around the lake when the check engine light came on, he heard a pop sound and smelled smoke. As OPERATOR 1 was explaining this to me, flames started coming out of the back deck engine compartment. OPERATOR 1 was unable to retrieve his fire extinguisher because of its location to the fire. I retrieved the fire extinguisher from NRP806 and instructed OPERATOR 1 to use it on the fire as I lifted the hatch. The fire was extinguished but there was still smoke coming from the forward console. I instructed OPERATOR 1 to put on his life jacket and helped him aboard NRP806. Due to the continued smoking, I requested the assistance of the Deep Creek Fire Department through Maryland Natural Resource Police dispatch. While waiting on the fire department to arrive, Maryland Natural Resource Police arrived on marked patrol vessel NRP881. At this time OPERATOR 1’s boat had stopped smoking and another MNRP went onboard and found gas in the bilge area along with several melted hoses and wires. The Deep Creek Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after and declared it safe to transport. With OPERATOR 1 on board, I towed his vessel to repair shop customer docks. OPERATOR 1 was then transported to his dock by another MNRP officer. All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0029
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake, Oakland
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: No wind
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/6/2021 at approximately 9:21pm, Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to a boating accident call that occurred near the area of Stump Point on Deep Creek Lake. I arrived at the dock after the incident had occurred. I made contact with the operator. He advised that his wife had dislocated her artificial hip. VICTIM was laying in a pontoon boat displaying Maryland registration calm and conscious prior to EMS's arrival. VICTIM stated that her hip had been dislocated before. Garrett County EMS arrived ten minutes after my arrival and transported VICTIM to Garrett Regional Medical Center.
According to OPERATOR 1 and the witness statements, Vessel MD 1412 CF was traveling north from the Deep Creek Lake dam when the incident occurred. As the vessel passed the area of Stump Point, VICTIM dislocated her hip while standing up and losing her balance. The contributing factor was caused by vessel MD 1412 CF crossing into a wake of another vessel. MD 1412 CF traveled back to its respected dock and waited for NRP/EMS to arrive on scene.
All events occurred in Garrett County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0030
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 01:10:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Magothy River- Cattail Creek
NearestCityorTown: Severna Park
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (non-fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30th, 2021, at 1:13 AM, Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to the Berrywood Community Marina for reports of a vessel fire. The Berrywood Community Marina is located behind 113 Berrywood Drive, Severna Park, Maryland 21146. Anne Arundel County Fire Department (AAFD) was already on scene when we arrived on the scene. AAFD had just put out the fire when we approached the pier.  
Vessel 1 that caught fire was located in dock slip. The vessel is a white 2002 28ft Sea Ray 260DA bearing Maryland registration 5557CT. There were no subjects on the vessel or in the area when the fire occurred. The vessel is a complete loss. At 1:43 AM, Anne Arundel County Fire Marshal Inspector arrived on scene. 
While examining Vessel 1, I observed damage to the vessels located in dock slip.
Vessel 2 is a white, 2005 17ft Sea Pro 17CC bearing Maryland registration 4168DA. Vessel 2 sustained damage to the bimini top canvas and center console canvas cover. There were also charred fiberglass pieces on the deck and hull.  
Vessel 3 is a white, 2019 24ft Robalo R242EX bearing Maryland registration 4453CT. Vessel 3 sustained damage to the seat/ backrest cushion upholstery, gunwale cushion upholstery and was covered in charred fiberglass pieces on the deck and hull.
Due to Vessel 1 being a complete loss, I completed a watercraft accident report. See attached.
At approximately 2:00 AM, OWNER 1, the owner of the vessel on fire, arrived on scene. OWNER 1 confirmed that the vessel had not been used since Tuesday, the 25th, by his wife and in-laws. There were no issues with the vessel at that time. OWNER 1 stated that the last time he was on the vessel was on Wednesday, the 26th, to check on the vessel but did not leave the dock slip.  OWNER 1 stated that the motor was replaced last year (2020).  The vessel was plugged into electrical shore power to run a dehumidifier and battery charger. OWNER 1 advised that he has Geico Marine insurance for the vessel. 
At 2:53 AM, All units cleared the scene. Maryland Natural Resources Police advised that she would follow up with vessel owners during her morning shift to further access and photograph the damage to the vessels in the daylight. 
Anne Arundel Co  Fire marshal stated this was an electrical fire from inside the vessel (ie. wiring) and not shore power.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0031
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 21:54:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Chester River-Chestertown
NearestCityorTown: Chestertown
County: Kent
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 5, 2021, at approximately 2200 hours, Maryland Natural Resources Police received a call from DNR Dispatch advising a male subject was admitted to the University of Maryland Shore Medical at Chestertown Emergency Room with injuries resulting from a Personal Watercraft (PWC) accident.  I responded and arrived on scene at the University of Maryland Shore Medical at Chestertown Emergency Room where I contacted the male subject and identified him as OPERATOR 1.  OPERATOR 1 had been operating a PWC on the Chester River approximately one mile north of Conquest Beach.  OPERATOR 1 stated he was traveling approximately 40 knots and was attempting to jump the wake of a large vessel. He stated he struck a second wake which caused him to be thrown forward into the handlebars.  OPERATOR 1 stated the handlebars broke upon impact and he continued forward into the water. OPERATOR 1 stated once he was in the water the PWC’s momentum continued forward and struck him. 
OPERATOR 1 stated he was operating his PWC with a friend who was able to help him retrieve his PWC which they towed to Cliff City.  OPERATOR 1 and his friend returned to Centreville Landing where they had originally put in and drove back to Cliff City where they then loaded up the broken PWC.  They transported the PWC to his residence.  OPERATOR 1 drove to Station 5 Kent County EMS in Church Hill later in the evening due to increasing pain.  Station 5 Kent County EMS evaluated OPERATOR 1 and transported him to Chestertown ER due to his injuries. I took all necessary information for the boating accident from OPERATOR 1 and then cleared the hospital.
After interviewing OPERATOR 1 I went to his residence and photographed the broken PWC with Maryland registration 5732DB, which was trailered in his driveway. OPERATOR 1 was transported from the University of Maryland Shore Medical at Chestertown Emergency Room to Baltimore Shock Trauma at approximately 0230 hours on June 6, 2021, for internal bleeding from a lacerated spleen.
I followed up with OPERATOR 1 on June 6, 2021, at approximately 1900 hours and obtained additional report information from him.
All events occurred in Kent County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0032
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-05-27 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 19:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Middle River-Main Stem
NearestCityorTown: Essex
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause3: Improper lookout
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 27, 2021, Maryland Natural Resources Police Criminal Investigation Section, received a request to assist with a vessel accident investigation that occurred at the green channel marker (#3) at the entrance to Middle River. I arrived at the University of Maryland Medical Center – Shock Trauma Unit, where the victims were taken, at approximately 2200 hours.
Nurses on the unit directed me to room number two first, where OPERATOR 1 was being cared for. OPERATOR 1 was waiting for test results and evaluations when I spoke with him, so he was still immobilized. OPERATOR 1 explained that it was his first cruise of the season on his 2004 Fountain vessel. OPERATOR 1 was insistent that he was operating the vessel. OPERATOR 1 explained that he took his girlfriend, PASSENGER 1, out for her first ride on the vessel. OPERATOR 1 stated that he and PASSENGER 1 had been dating for approximately six months. OPERATOR 1 disembarked from All Star Marine, located on Sue Creek on Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland, about three hours before the accident. OPERATOR 1 explained that he took the vessel to the headwaters of Middle River before turning around and going to show PASSENGER 1 a friend’s house in Seneca Creek. OPERATOR 1 explained that he operated eastbound out of Seneca Creek, around Hart-Miller Island, and returned to Middle River through the Cut.
OPERATOR 1 stated that he was heading back to port so that PASSENGER 1 and he could go to dinner in Hunt Valley. OPERATOR 1 noted that he was very familiar with the Middle River area, as he had operated the same vessel hundreds of hours over fifteen years from All-Star Marine. OPERATOR 1 explained that he was operating somewhat close to the green channel marker at the entrance to Middle River, but he should have had plenty of room. OPERATOR 1 stated that a cabin cruiser was also operating in the area and threw a wake shoved his vessel to the left. OPERATOR 1 corrected to the left as well and struck the channel marker. OPERATOR 1 stated that he was operating at approximately thirty miles per hour. When I asked OPERATOR 1 if he had consumed any alcohol or taken any drugs that day, he replied that he had “like two beers.” I asked if OPERATOR 1 had anything to eat that day, he replied that he had eaten breakfast at around 1100 hours, but nothing else. OPERATOR 1 then became extremely insistent that he had never had a “DUI or boating under the influence” in his past. I asked again how much OPERATOR 1 had to drink, and he again replied, “like two beers.” OPERATOR 1 stated that he had a big breakfast and so that the alcohol shouldn’t have affected him.

At approximately 1020 hours, nurses directed me to room number six, where the passenger, PASSENGER 1, was cared for. PASSENGER 1 was much vaguer during my conversation with her. PASSENGER 1 explained that she was not familiar with the area that they had been operating. PASSENGER 1 explained that morning at around 1130 hours, she and OPERATOR 1, her boyfriend of six months, had breakfast before heading to where All-Star Marine. PASSENGER 1 stated that they got underway at 1600 hours. PASSENGER 1 only recognized the “old BGE plant” from the water where she and OPERATOR 1 stopped to go swimming. PASSENGER 1 was unable to provide any other information about the navigation or operation of the vessel, other than OPERATOR 1 was the sole operator. I asked PASSENGER 1 if she knew if OPERATOR 1 had drunk any alcohol that day; she replied that he had. I asked PASSENGER 1 if she knew how much alcohol OPERATOR 1 had; she replied that she “wasn’t keeping track.” I asked PASSENGER 1 what OPERATOR 1 was drinking; she replied “we were sharing.” I asked PASSENGER 1 what they were sharing; she replied “margaritas.” I asked PASSENGER 1 if they were pre-made or if they made the drinks; she replied “pre-made.” I asked PASSENGER 1 what brand of margarita they were drinking; she replied, “Jose Cuervo.”
On May 28, 2021, Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a request to assist with a vessel accident investigation that occurred at the green channel marker (#3) at the entrance to Middle River. I arrived at Deckelman's Boat Yard to pick up black bag for the female passenger PASSENGER 1. I then transported the bag to University of Maryland Medical Center – Shock Trauma Unit, where the victims were taken. I made contact with PASSENGER 1 who identified her bag and signed a Return of Seizure slip (Attached). I then asked PASSENGER 1 if she could fill out a witness statement in which she advised, she couldn't write or remember anything at this time. While still on scene at Shock Trauma, I asked one the employees to speak to the operator , OPERATOR 1 to get a written statement. I was advised he was in the middle of surgery and didn't know how long he would be in there for. Nothing further to report. 
On Thursday, May 27th, 2021 at approximately 1934, Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call for a vessel accident in Middle River at Day Marker #3. I took a marked patrol vessel to the area.  Towboat US, Bowley’s Quarters Volunteer Fire, United States Coast Guard, and Deckelman’s Marine were all on scene at the time of my arrival.
Upon arrival, I observed one vessel, bearing registration # MD 6745 BW, impaled on to the Green Day Marker # 3 at the mouth of Middle River (picture attached). The vessel was a 29 foot Fountain Sportfish Cruiser that had extensive fiberglass damage to the bow. The vessel had a head-on collision with day marker #3 in Middle River.
Dispatch informed me that there was a male operator (OPERATOR 1) and a female passenger (PASSENGER 1) on board the vessel that were taken to University of Maryland Shock Trauma. I remained with the vessel, advising nearby vessels to reduce their wake, so that Deckelman’s Marine could dislodge the vessel from the day marker and get the vessel in tow.
I then responded to University of Maryland Shock Trauma. Maryland Natural Resources Police was at University of Maryland Shock Trauma upon my arrival and was able to get passenger information as well as talk to both passengers. Her supplement will be attached to this report.
On Friday, May 28, 2021 MNRP made contact with PASSENGER 1. PASSENGER 1 informed MNRP that she could not remember anything from the accident.
On Thursday, June 3, 2021 2021 I attempted to call OPERATOR 1 for a witness statement. OPERATOR 1 said that he was still at the hospital and to contact him after the weekend.
On Wednesday, June 9, 2021 I attempted to call OPERATOR 1 for a witness statement with no answer.
On Thursday, June 10, 2021 I attempted to call OPERATOR 1 for a witness statement with no answer. A voicemail was left.
I will make future attempts to contact OPERATOR 1.
An investigation is still ongoing at this time.
All events occurred in Baltimore County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0034
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-23 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 00:28:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 125 Mulberry St, Saint Michael
NearestCityorTown: Saint Michaels
County: Talbot
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Grounding
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On Sunday, May 23rd, 2021, at approximately 0023 hours, the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to the area of Foxy's Harbor Grille in St. Michaels Harbor for a report of an intoxicated vessel operator possibly operating a stolen vessel. While enroute, a St. Michaels Officer advised me that the suspect vessel hit two different vessels as they were leaving the harbor. I arrived on scene at approximately 0037 hours. I obtained information from the two vessel owners that were struck. OWNER 3 was the owner of the first vessel struck. His vessel was a 1983 Uniflite cabin boat. OWNER 2 was the owner of the second vessel struck. His vessel was a 1984 30 foot Catalina Sailboat.

After investigating the incident, the operator of the suspect vessel was identified as OPERATOR 1. I obtained written statements from three Foxy's employees who were able to identify OPERATOR 1 and were able to definitely say he was operating the suspect vessel when it left the harbor. SMPD confirmed that OPERATOR 1 was operating the vessel when it left the harbor. He made contact with OPERATOR 1 for an unrelated incident prior to him leaving. 

The second occupant of the suspect vessel was not identified by anyone on scene.
SMPD obtained a report from at Oak Creek Landing in Newcomb of a vessel with two occupants entering the creek at a high rate of speed around the same time of the incident. I then patrolled Oak Creek by vessel at approximately 0236 hours. I checked vessels within the creek for any damage that would coincide with the accident from the harbor. I documented three different vessels that may have been involved solely based on the appearance not from damage.

At this time the suspect vessel is unknown. The only description that I have is that it was a white center console under 25 feet, possibly a Grady White.

I reviewed bodycam footage and neither of their cameras showed any clear footage of the suspect vessel. I also asked Foxy's if they had any security cameras that captured the incident. She advised that the only camera close to the incident covered the parking lot but not the water. Foxy's also provided me with a credit card receipt belonging to OPERATOR 1 from that night.

The suspect vessel struck both vessels with its starboard (right) side. The damage to VESSEL 2 is on the forward half of the port (left) side and at the stern (rear). Pictures of the damage to his boat have been added to the report. VESSEL 2’s owner also advised me that a cable was damaged that helped secure the main staff which deemed the vessel inoperable. VESSEL 2 was unable to safely sail the vessel home and had it towed sometime during the week to a harbor in Anne Arundel County. I advised him to keep me updated on the cost of the damages so I can determine if a boat accident report is needed.
A detailed description of the accident was written and has been added to the report. 
I cleared the scene at approximately 0356 hours.

All events occurred in Talbot County, Maryland.
On the evening of Saturday, May 29th, 2021 I spoke with OPERATOR 1 over the phone. He admitted to driving the suspect vessel during the accident. He also stated the accident happened because the throttle was stuck. He agreed to meet me at his residence the next day, May 30th so I could review the damage to his vessel.

On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, I met OPERATOR 1. The damage to his vessel coincided with the damage to the other two vessels. OPERATOR 1 stated that he would fix the damage himself or leave it the way it is. He also showed me the damage done to the vessel's prop. He said the throttle kept getting stuck on the way home so he ran the vessel aground damaging the prop. There was no way to determine if the prop was damaged that night or if it was already damaged. He also stated that he purchased registration through Virginia, but was unable to produce any verification. The vessel still had the previous Maryland registration on it. That registration "2925AT" expired in December 2020.

I asked him to fill out a voluntary statement. He read the NRP-425 voluntary statement form and decided not to fill on out.
Based on his voluntary admission and the information I gathered through my investigation, I charged OPERATOR 1 with the following:
08.18.01.05B - Negligent Operation
NR 8-724a - Boating accident - Duty to give information
08.18.01.04A - Failure to obey navigational rules - Rules of the Road Rule 5
08.18.01.04A - Failure to obey navigational rules - Rules of the Road Rule 6 
08.18.01.04A - Failure to obey navigational rules - Rules of the Road Rule 8 
I am still waiting to hear from Vessel 2’s owner on the cost of the total damages to his vessel. If the damages reach 2000 dollars I will complete a boat accident report per USCG regulations.
All events occurred in Talbot County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0035
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-05-30 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Brg-Cove
NearestCityorTown: Stevensville
County: Queen Annes
WaterConditions: Rough
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Fall in vessel
AccidentCause1: Hazardous waters
AccidentCause2: Weather
AccidentCause3: Equipment failure
EquipmentFailure: Sail dismasting
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On May 30, 2021 Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to Kentmorr Marina along with officers for a report of a disabled vessel being towed in by the United States Coast Guard.  The original call came out on VHF channel 16 as a vessel in distress at 1118 hours approximately .5 miles off shore from Bloody Point, Queen Anne's County Maryland.  NRP, Anne Arundel County Fire and Queen Anne's Fire boats were all originally dispatched along with USCG.  Swells were approximately 2-3 feet and winds in the 15-20 mph range with gusts up to 22 mph.  Once on scene, USCG advised that the vessel was not in immediate danger but that they would be towing them into Kentmorr Marina and that all other units could stand down and we could meet them by land.
All NRP units arrived at Kentmorr Marina, located at 910 Kentmorr Road Stevensville, MD 21666 at approximately 1205 hours.  Queen Anne's County EMS arrived on scene at approximately 1257 hours.  Once on scene, they stated that they had been advised USCG was bringing in a patient with a head laceration above the eye.  USCG arrived at the north bulkhead with the vessel at approximately 1325 hours.
The vessel in tow was a 1976 O'Day 25 ft sailboat, white in color, with the mast broken and dragging on the port side.  There were no identifiable MD Registration numbers on the forward half of the vessel and the stern had the name "Querencia".  The HIN was XDYG0419M761 and a search of Compass/Coin did not return any MD registration or USCG documentation number for the name or HIN.
I then made contact with the USCG vessel 29463, a 2019 Metal Shark Patrol Vessel.  Both the passenger and operator of the Querencia were on board and were escorted off in order to be seen by EMS personnel.  PASSENGER 1, the passenger of the involved vessel, attempted to exit the port side of the USCG vessel onto the bulkhead, where he had trouble getting up onto the bulkhead as the vessel began to push away.  Because of this, I grabbed PASSENGER 1 by his personal flotation device onto the bulkhead before he could fall between the vessel into the water.  After pulling PASSENGER 1 onto land, he stated "my legs don't work too good".  PASSENGER 1 was then picked up by myself and CPL, where he was escorted over to the ambulance to be seen by EMS.  I then assisted OPERATOR 1, the captain of the involved vessel, from the USCG vessel to shore, where again his balance and footing were sub par and had to also be grabbed by his personal flotation device onto the bulkhead so as not to fall.  OPERATOR 1 had a laceration above his left eye and was taken over to EMS as well.  OFC stated that both subjects were a refusal and received no aid.  Due to their condition from helping them off the vessel, had either individual gone into the water at Bloody Point, they would not have been able to get back in the boat, nor help the other individual.
While speaking to USCG, he stated that the vessel had actually been anchored in Fishing Creek in Anne Arundel County for the previous few days and had called the USCG station in Annapolis as well as flag down their vessels to ask questions, one in particular about a tow from the area. USCG COXSWAIN stated that the Querencia was not in the best of condition and could see the fiberglass bow in as the patrol vessel came along side the sailboat in order to check on their welfare.  USCG COXSWAIN stated that Sector advised them to tow them into the nearest marina.  When asked about the injury, USCG COXSWAIN did state that while underway, OPERATOR 1 got up from his seated position aboard the Querencia in order to try and secure the mast better at which time he fell and received the laceration to his head.  USCG COXSWAIN stated that there was a decent amount of blood when OPERATOR 1 stood up, at which time they pulled both individuals from the towed vessel aboard the USCG patrol vessel. 

I then spoke to OPERATOR 1 after being cleared by EMS.  OPERATOR 1 stated that they were sailing from Annapolis to Quantico, Virginia and that the vessel had been recently purchased.  As marina staff were working to untangle the mast and secure it prior to putting it in a slip, OPERATOR 1 agreed to go over the paperwork with me at a later date.  OPERATOR 1 denied calling or waving down USCG about a tow and when asked why he chose Sunday to sail to Quantico, he stated that the weather had not been good the previous days.  I advised OPERATOR 1 that there was still a small craft advisory and if he thought it was a good idea to sail a newly purchased boat back approximately 137 miles per Google Maps without an auxiliary engine and only sail power.  OPERATOR 1 did not see any issue with it even though gusts exceeded 22mph and waves in the 2-3 foot range. 
The vessel was stored by Kentmorr Marina staff until arrangements could be made to have it repaired or removed.  OPERATOR 1 did not have an estimate for the repair on the broken mast that day.  I responded back to Kentmorr Marina on June 1, 2021 in order to speak to OPERATOR 1 and go over the vessel paperwork and safety equipment.  The sailboat was not seen anywhere in the marina, at which point I responded to the marina office.  Staff advised that OPERATOR 1 had gotten his auxiliary motor working, fueled up and attempted to leave the marina but got a dock line stuck in his prop.  The vessel was then docked on the south bulkhead as OPERATOR 1 attempted to unwrap it.  Marina staff stated he climbed in the water to remove it, could not and also could not get out of the water.  Marina staff had to pull him from the water.  After this incident, they stated that he immediately left the area. No contact was made with OPERATOR 1 since the day of the incident.
Photographs were taken of the vessel after being towed in by USCG.
All events occurred in Queen Anne's County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0036
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Lowes Wharf Rd, Sherwood
NearestCityorTown: Sherwood
County: Talbot
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Falls overboard
AccidentCause1: Improper loading
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/12/2021, Maryland Natural Resources Police, were on marked patrol when we overheard that an individual had fallen off a vessel potentially breaking his wrist at Lowes Wharf Marina in Sherwood, MD over the radio. I responded to the call and arrived on scene at approximately 1400 hours. Prior to my arrival, the injured individual had been transported to Easton Memorial Hospital accompanied by his wife.
Upon my arrival, I met with 4 individuals aboard a yellow and white vessel (2004 Monterey Boats 253EX, MD registration: MD1703BU) identified with operator and three passengers. While speaking to the operator, OPERATOR 1, he explained to me that they were all aboard his vessel coming into Lowes Wharf to let the dogs off the boat for a break. As they pulled into the slip, VICTIM went to step off the boat onto the dock where he ended up slipping and falling into the water, striking his wrist on the dock causing the injury to his right wrist. They safely removed him from the water and called 911 to treat his injury. Shortly after an ambulance arrived and transported him to the hospital.
I then completed a Boating Accident Report and conducted a vessel safety inspection to ensure all needed equipment was aboard the vessel.
Ofc. met with VICTIM and his wife at the hospital to discuss the incident with them.
All events occurred in Talbot County, MD.
Maryland Natural Resources Police, assisted OFF with the investigation of the boat accident. I met VICTIM and his wife at Easton Memorial Hospital. When I arrived VICTIM advised me that the hospital staff believed that he broke his right arm. He was still awaiting a X-ray when I arrived to confirm their suspicions. Victim’s wife filled out a victim statement for her husband because VICTIM was right hand dominant. The victim statement has been added to the report.
All events occurred in Talbot County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0037
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-12 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 07:41:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Nanticoke River-Main Stem-Mout
NearestCityorTown: Bevalve
County: Wicomico
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Capsizing
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Engine
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 12, 2021 at approximately 7:43am Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for a vessel taking on water in the area of Nanticoke Harbor and Cedar Hill Marina with two persons onboard. While enroute to a patrol vessel I overheard West Side Fire Department transmit that they had both occupants of the vessel on their boat safe and uninjured.  Upon my arrival to Cedar Hill Marina, West Side Fire Department was launching a larger vessel to retrieve the sunken vessel. I responded to the location of the sunken vessel on the fireboard vessel. The sunken vessel was outside of Swan Creek Cove, Nanticoke River. It had taken on water and was listed to the starboard side, only half the vessel was showing on the top of the water.
I identified the vessel’s registration at that time to be Delaware 1644AH. The West Side Fire Department was able to tow the vessel back to Cedar Hill Marina, where I identified OPERATOR 1 and passenger. Neither occupant was injured. A vessel inspection was completed and all required safety equipment was on board at the time of the accident. Due to the severity of the water damage to the motor and electrical components of the vessel a watercraft accident report was completed for this incident.
All events occurred in Wicomico County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0038
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-18 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 08:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake, Oakland
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/18/2021 Maryland Natural Resources Police, was on marked marine patrol of Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, Maryland. DNR Communications advised this unit of a boating accident resulting in personal injury that occurred earlier in the morning. Garrett Regional Medical Center (hospital) called in the accident information and provided contact information to DNR. I made contact with the vessel operator, OPERATOR 1, via phone and he said they were being discharged from the hospital and was able to meet me at his dock on Deep Creek Lake for the interview.
     I met OPERATOR 1 at his dock on Deep Creek Lake adjacent to Stump Point in Oakland, MD. OPERATOR 1 showed me the Malibu ski boat involved in the accident which accrued no damage. VICTIM had received stitches in his scalp at the hospital and was alert and comfortable during my interview.
     Around 0815 hours the morning of 06/18/2021, the family were wakeboarding in the area of the dam on Deep Creek Lake. OPERATOR 1 advised their vessel was the only vessel in the area, the water was calm and skies were clear. OPERATOR 1 normally requires anyone waterboarding/wake surfing off the vessel to wear a helmet but this particular morning the helmet was forgotten. As OPERATOR 1 operated the boat in a straight direction, his son as the observer, VICTIM wake boarded behind the vessel. As VICTIM attempted to jump their wake, he fell forward off the board in what is described as a "scorpion kick" and the wakeboard hit him in the back of the head, causing a laceration. VICTIM was able to climb back into the vessel and was unaware as to the extent of the injury. VICTIM was wearing a life jacket during their vessel excursion. OPERATOR 1 drove his son VICTIM to Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, MD for treatment.
      All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0039
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-06 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:55:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: West & Rhode River-Rhode River
NearestCityorTown: Mayo
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/06/2021, MNRP received a call form DNR Communications about a boat accident that occurred on 06/05/2021. I called the complainant, OPERATOR 1 , and he explained that another sailing vessel collided with the starboard side of his sailing vessel near the red #2 day marker on the West River. OPERATOR 1 ’s sailing vessel named ''VESSEL 1", a 2008 Beneteau 343, displaying Maryland registration MD 5615 BZ, was sailing northwest  red marker #2, when another sailing vessel was trying to overtake his vessel on his starboard side. The overtaking vessel, later identified as a 1986 Catalina 34  named, ''VESSEL 2", displaying Maryland registration MD 274 B, was also navigating northwest red #2, but behind and to the inside of VESSEL 1. As the vessels got within three boat lengths of each other, the skipper of VESSEL 2, later identified as OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN, tried to verbally communicate with the VESSEL 1 on it's intended direction of travel. OPERATOR 1 stated that he could not understand what OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN was saying to him as they approached the marker. As the vessels got closer, both vessels slowed and lost mobility due to the decreased wind conditions. OPERATOR 1 then explained that the VESSEL 2 bumped the starboard side of his vessel then contacted his vessel a second time. During the second contact, the  anchor on the bow caught the stantions of the VESSEL 1. Both boats remained entangled until both OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN could start the engines on both of their sailing vessels and decrease forward travel. OPERATOR 1 then explained that both vessels exchanged contact information over VHF channel 16 and proceeded to port. OPERATOR 1 vessel proceeded to Hartge Yacht Harbor and OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN proceeded to Galesville Yacht Harbor, both located in Galesville Maryland on the West River. OPERATOR 1 provided me with OPERATOR 2 CAPTAINs contact information at the time of the call.
    On 6/6/2021, I contacted OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN and left a voicemail message with my contact information. OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN made attempts to call back, but I was unable to talk because of other patrol activity. On 6/09/2021, I was able to reach OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN. She explained to me that she was the skipper of the VESSEL 2, However, another person identified as VESSEL 2 HELMSMAN, was at the helm. OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN went on to explain that she attempted to communicate with the skipper of the VESSEL 1, and thought they were clear to overtake there vessel on the starboard side. OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN stated that they ran out of room to move and lost mobility under sail because of the decreased wind conditions.
    On 06/09/2021, I contacted VESSEL 2 HELMSMAN, the operator of VESSEL 2, about his role in the accident. VESSEL 2 HELMSMAN stated that he was at the helm taking navigational commands from OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN. He also stated that OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN tried to communicate with the VESSEL 1, but as they approached neither vessel could move. He then cooberated the statements made by both OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN that both vessels became entangled until the engines were started on both sailing vessels,
    I advised both OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN to exchange insurance information and obtain estimates for the property damage for both vessels. Pictures were taken of both vessels in there respective slips at Hartge Yacht Harbor and Galesville Yacht Harbor. On 6/11/2021, OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN, VESSEL 2 HELMSMAN, and OPERATOR 1 were all emailed a copy of the witness and statement form, NRP 425A, and instructed to complete and send back via email.
    On 06/11/2021, I also attempted to call the registered owner of VESSEL 2. A voicemail was left at the phone number that OPERATOR 2 CAPTAIN provided. At approximately 1100 hrs., on the same day, I was contacted by OPERATOR 1, who advised me that his preliminary estimate for damages to his vessel may be over $7000. This estimate was provided to OPERATOR 1 by Hartge Yacht Harbor and he would provide a written estimate at a later date.
All occurred in Anne Arundel County.


BARDID: MD-2021-0040
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-25 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:32:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Friday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/25/2021 at approximately 1650 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to Garrett Regional Medical Center for an injury from a tubing accident occurring on Deep Creek Lake. I made contact with the victim of the tubing accident.
VICTIM 1 stated he was in the E.R. because his left shoulder was dislocated. VICTIM 1 stated he was on a tube with someone else when the two hit a boat wake. TUBER 2 landed on VICTIM 1’s left shoulder dislocating it. VICTIM 1 immediately knew something was wrong and boarded the vessel. The group drove to Traders landing docks to have VICTIM 1 transported to Garrett Regional Medical Center by private transport within the group.
OPERATOR 1 was the operator of the vessel. He stated they were tubing at the mouth of Turkey Neck Cove traveling south at about 15 to 20 mph at the time of the accident. They drove over a boat wake and the other passenger on the tube TUBER 2 landed on VICTIM 1’s left side. OPERATOR 1 and the observer assisted VICTIM 1 back into the vessel to take him to a dock to go to the medical center.
TUBER 2 stated he was on the tube with VICTIM 1 when they went over a boat wake, he landed on VICTIM 1 causing his shoulder to be dislocated. Tuber 2 said they were both wearing PFD’s at the time of the incident.
VICTIM 1 was treated at Garrett Regional medical center for the shoulder dislocation and released later that day. No warning or citations were issued for this incident.
All of the above occurred in Garrett County Maryland
Request case closure


BARDID: MD-2021-0041
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 10:21:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Point Patience Dr, Solomons
NearestCityorTown: Solomons
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Operator inattention
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 26, 2021 around 10:30 am, Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to a call of a boating accident on the Patuxent River in the area of Point Patience and Third Cove. The caller and victim of vessel damage OPERATOR 1 as well as OPERATOR 2 were both on scene when I arrived. Neither party sustained injury and both declined EMS services. 
OPERATOR 1 was out fishing with his friend on his 20' 3" dark blue center console Key West boat, bearing Maryland registration 4746 CT. They saw OPERATOR 2 stuck on the sand bar at the end of Point Patience on his 17' 3" white and blue Mako, bearing Maryland registration 6227 DB in need of help. OPERATOR 1 advised they were assisting OPERATOR 2 with a rear tow to unbeach the vessel. OPERATOR 1 stated after OPERATOR 2' vessel was free from bottom, OPERATOR 2 accidentally hit the throttle and came up on plane with the bow of his vessel colliding with the stern of OPERATOR 1's. 
Sustained damage to OPERATOR 1's vessel included gunwale cracks on the starboard rear, seat cushion tears/scratches on the starboard stern, motor cover cracks on the starboard side, and rub rail detaching from the port rear side of the vessel. He also noted a Shimano X Pride and Reel Sphere 4000 fishing rod had cracked in half during the collision. OPERATOR 1's vessel is insured. 
OPERATOR 2' story matched OPERATOR 1's, and OPERATOR 2 even stated he felt guilty because OPERATOR 1 was trying to help him out. When asked about boat insurance OPERATOR 2 stated he did not have any because it was a small vessel. 
Both parties were able to make it back to their marinas safely. 
All events occurred in Calvert County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0043
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 12:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Assawoman Bay, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: -1
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent3: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Excessive speed
AccidentCause2: Operator inexperience
AccidentCause3: Navigation rules violation
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On June 29 2021 at approximately 1234 hours officers responded to LIVERY OPERATION for a vessel accident that had occurred in the Assawoman Bay.  Upon arrival to LIVERY OPERATION I made contact with the operator of one of the Jets Skis that was involved in the collision identified as OPERATOR 2 who stated the following.
    OPERATOR 2 stated that on June 29, 2021 at approximately 1200 hours he and his cousins began a guided PWC tour with Island Water Sports.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he had a passenger on his PWC.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he was traveling in a northern direction in the riding area at a speed of 15-20 MPH.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he began a right turn and slowed down with the intention of turning around.  OPERATOR 2 stated that at some point during the turn OPERATOR 2 was struck by another jet ski.  The other jet ski was operated by OPERATOR 1 with passenger.  OPERATOR 2 stated that as soon as he was struck he was aware that he received facial injuries.  With the assistance of the guide identified all parties returned to LIVERY OPERATION.  EMS responded for the injury that OPERATOR 2 sustained and, OPERATOR 2 was attended to by Bethany Beach EMS, who transported him to B.B. medical center.  I observed that OPERATOR 2 received facial injuries and also had damage done to his teeth.  I made contact with DNREC who responded to B.B. medical center to check the status of OPERATOR 2. I received an E-Mail stating that OPERATOR 2 did not receive any life threatening injuries, but OPERATOR 2's two front teeth were knocked out.  I was able to learn the OPERATOR 2 had less then 10 hours operating any vessel, and he did not check the weather prior to departing for the voyage. 
    I spoke to the VESSEL 2 PASSENGER who stated the following.  VESSEL 2 PASSENGER stated all he recalls was OPERATOR 2 turning around, and then being struck by the jet ski.  VESSEL 2 PASSENGER did not receives any injuries.
    OPERATOR 2 was operating a 2021 SEADOO GTX Rotax powered 170 H.P.  jet ski Delaware registration DL940AR.  The damage to this jest ski is described as fiberglass damage to the port side just off center, and the gauge cluster plastic is broken.
    I spoke to OPERATOR 1 who stated the following.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was following OPERATOR 2 in the riding area, and observed that OPERATOR 2 slowed down.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he observed OPERATOR 2 begin to turn.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he attempted to slow down and turn to avoid the collision but was unable to in time.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he has less then 10 hours operating any type of vessel, and he did not check the weather prior to departing for the voyage.  OPERATOR 1 did not receive any injuries.
    I spoke to PASSENGER 1 who stated the following.  PASSENGER 1 stated that OPERATOR 2 was slowing down and turning around in front of OPERATOR 1.  PASSENGER 1 stated that OPERATOR 1 was unable to maneuver our slow the jet ski down to avoid the collision.  PASSENGER 1 was not injured in this collision.
    OPERATOR 1 was operating a 2021 SEADOO GTX Rotax powered 170 H.P. jet ski Delaware registration DL172AU.  The damage to the jet skid is described as fiberglass damage  to the starboard side just off center.  LIVERY OPERATION estimated the damage to both Jet Skis to be $5,828.99.  I took photographs of the jet skis and uploaded them under this report
    I also spoke to the guide.  GUIDE did not see the collision, just observed the two jet skis close together after the collision with PASSENGER 1 in the water.  OPERATOR 1 assisted PASSENGER 1 back on the jet ski, and observed that OPERATOR 2 was injured.  OPERATOR 1 escorted the parties back to LIVERY OPERATION.
    I obtained written statement from all parties involved in this matter and uploaded them under this report. 
    The collision occurred in the Assawoman Bay  in the assigned riding area for LIVERY.  The wind on the day was gusting up to 20 MPH and was in a southern direction.  The water temperature was approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  Boat traffic in the area was moderate. 
    OPERATOR 1 was issued a citation for operating a PWC over six knots within 100 feet of another vessel, which was a contributing factor to the accident along with operator inexperience.
    All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0044
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 11:42:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Bridge Wo
NearestCityorTown: Annapolis
County: Anne Arundel
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Flooding/swamping
AccidentEvent2: Sinking
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
AccidentCause2: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Electrical
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 5th, 2021 at 11:45 AM, Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call for a sinking vessel in the Chesapeake Bay south of the Governor William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge (Bay Bridge) near coordinates 3858.774N, 76.2442W. Other officers from the Maryland Natural Resources Police responded as well. The caller, a good Samaritan, advised over Coast Guard channel 16 that there were two persons on board the sinking vessel. The good Samaritan picked the two individuals out of the water and brought them aboard their vessel.
MNRP arrived on the scene at 11:55 AM. We located the good Samaritan vessel, a 2015 Sea Ray Sundancer Four Seventy, bearing the name Stella’s Way II (Coast Guard number SERP8414H415). Good Samaritan was speaking with Anne Arundel County Fire Boat 36. The occupants on board the Sea Ray advised that there were no injuries, and all occupants of the sinking vessel were accounted for. I boarded the good Samaritan vessel to speak with the individuals of the sinking vessel.
The owner and operator of the vessel was identified as OPERATOR 1. The sinking vessel was an 18’ 1981 Viking. The vessel’s Hull Identification Number (HIN) is VBC1475GM81E. OPERATOR 1 stated that he and his brother-in-law were fishing aboard his vessel. They were floating west of the shipping channel when the motor died. OPERATOR 1 attempted to restart the motor when water began filling the vessel from the stern. The battery was not working properly, and the bilge pump could not keep up. Several large waves came over the stern and caused the vessel to sink. The only part of the vessel that was out of the water was the bow. OPERATOR 1 stated that he shot off a flare just before jumping off his vessel. OPERATOR 1 stated that all property on board the vessel was lost.
OPERATOR 1 hired a commercial towboat to recover the sinking vessel. The vessel was towed back to the neighborhood boat launch.  OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER put on personal floatation devices, boarded NRP 894, and were driven to Annapolis City Dock where they were picked up by family members.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County.


BARDID: MD-2021-0045
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 17:15:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Wicomico River, Quantico
NearestCityorTown: Ouantico
County: Wicomico
WaterConditions: Calm
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person struck by vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
AccidentCause2: Excessive speed
AccidentCause3: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday, June 26, 2021, I was dispatched to a boating accident involving a personal watercraft that had occurred on the Wicomico River in the area of the Whitehaven Ferry. I was advised that the injured party was ashore. Upon my arrival, EMS and fire department personnel from the West Side Fire Department were already on scene attending to the victim. At the time, two personal watercraft were tied to the dock. I met with a witness, who advised that the red, black, and white Yamaha Waverunner (MD 2834 CT) was the vessel that was involved in the incident. I was told Waverunner was operated by the individual being treated by EMS and that there was one other passenger. I asked the witness what he had witnessed and he stated that the Waverunner had hit the wake of another vessel at about a forty five degree angle and the Waverunner dug in and ejected the riders of the right side of the Waverunner. I asked if he was aware or had been told how the laceration to the operators leg occurred. WITNESS advised that he was not sure, but pointed to the throttle control area of the Waverunner and pointed out that there appeared to be blood and perhaps other bodily tissue on the throttle control.
     I next located the passenger and asked if he had any injuries as a result of the incident. He advised that he did not have any injuries. I asked if he could advise what had occurred. He advised that they were traveling up river and possibly hit a wave and the next thing he knew, they were in the water and OPERATOR 1 had a cut on his leg. I asked if he could provide any other information and he stated that he couldn't remember most of the incident. I asked where they were coming from and he stated from a friend's house and that they had be at Bull Lips (Bull Lips Dock Bar). 
     I located the operator of the second personal watercraft that was tied to the dock and asked if she had witnessed the incident. She advised that the Waverunner was much faster that the personal watercraft that she was operating and that she had lost sight of it before the accident. I asked where they were coming from before the incident. She advised that they had come from her friend house and had proceeded to Bull Lips. After leaving Bull Lips, they were going back up river to the Wicomico Yacht Club to get fuel before heading back to friend’s house. I asked if she had consumed any alcoholic beverages today and she replied that she had one at Bull Lips. I asked if she knew if the operator of the Waverunner had consumed any alcoholic beverages this evening and she stated that OPERATOR 1 also had one drink. I asked if she knew OPERATOR 1's full name and she stated that she did not. I asked who owned the personal watercraft that she was operating, and she stated that it was owned by her friend's parents. She stated that her friend had been her passenger on the personal watercraft, but that she probably could not provide much information because she was drunk. 
     Another officer arrived on scene and I asked him to stay with the other parties to arrange for the personal watercraft to be returned to their point of origin. I advised that the operator of the Waverunner had been transported by the West Side Fire Department ambulance to Tidal Health in Salisbury, and that I would be enroute to meet with the operator.
     After arriving at Tidal Health, I met with the charge nurse and was directed to one of the examination rooms. After entering the examination room, I observed the same individual that had been treated by EMS at the dock. I introduced myself and stated that the only information I had been given was that his name was OPERATOR 1. He provided his full name. I asked if he had been the operator of the Waverunner personal watercraft and he stated yes. I confirmed that his passenger had been named. I asked if he could explain exactly what had occurred. He stated that they had been traveling at a high rate of speed and possibly hit a wave or wake, but that he couldn't really remember and the next thing he knew he was in the water. He advised that at some point while being ejected, that he struck the Waverunner and ended up with a laceration to the inside of his right thigh. I asked where he was coming from prior to the accident. He said that they were leaving Bull Lips and heading to the Yacht Club to get fuel. I asked how long he had been at Bull Lips and he advised about thirty minutes. I asked if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages today or while at Bull Lips. He advised that he had one drink at Bull Lips. I asked if it was a beer or mixed drink and the approximate size. He moved his hands about five inches apart to indicate the size and stated that it was all liquor.
     During my conversation with OPERATOR 1, I noticed a slight odor of an alcoholic beverage, but we were both wearing face masks at the time of the conversation. I observed that his eyes were very glassy. I advised that I could not conduct the standardized field sobriety test battery due to his laceration and being located on the gurney, but advised that I was going to conduct the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. I observed a lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes, and onset prior to forty five degrees in both eyes. I explained to OPERATOR 1 that I could not complete the normal test battery and asked if he would submit to a blood test. OPERATOR 1 advised that he would submit to a test of his blood. I proceeded to my patrol vehicle and retrieved a blood specimen test kit. I returned to the emergency room and asked for a nurse to assist. While waiting for the blood to be drawn, I read the NRP-482 (Advise of Rights) form to OPERATOR 1 and he signed the form at 6:45 p.m. agreeing to take the test. The blood was drawn and given to me at 7:07 p.m. I explained to OPERATOR 1 that the blood specimen would be sent to the lab for analysis and I would be in contact when the results were returned.
     I proceeded to the Johnson Office to prepare the blood specimen to be sent to the Maryland State Police Crime Lab, Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit. Charges are pending the return of the lab results. 
     All events occurred in Wicomico County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0046
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-29 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 15:40:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: -1
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Strong
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Weather
AccidentCause2: Improper anchoring
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Tuesday
RedactedNarrative:
On 06/29/2021 at approximately 1540 hours Maryland Natural Resources Police was dispatched to a vessel accident after the fact, at LIVERY in Ocean City, Maryland.
Upon arrival, I met with the operator of the vessel who identified himself as OPERATOR 1, and the owner of LIVERY. OPERATOR 1 stated he rented a pontoon vessel from LIVERY for him and his family. OPERATOR 1 stated he anchored the vessel near the Route 90 Bridge and when he went to pull the anchor, the vessel drifted into the bridge striking it several times causing visible damage on the starboard stern rub rail and pontoon. OPERATOR 1 stated he didn’t have much experience operating a vessel and I didn’t detect any signs of impairment. I had OPERATOR 1 complete a witness statement form while I photographed the damage.
MANAGER stated he contacted North Bay Marina and sent images of the damage to them. MANAGER stated they replied with an estimate of $4,800 to replace the rub rail and entire pontoon. I advised MANAGER to forward me the estimates when he received physical copies of them.
OPERATOR 1 provided me with the names of his wife and children that were on the vessel with him. He stated they were back in their hotel room and were fine. OPERATOR 1 stated he and his family were fine and didn’t need medical attention.
I provided OPERATOR 1 and MANAGER with the NRP case number and contact information to reach me if they had any questions.
Cleared without further incident.
All the above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0047
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-28 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 09:16:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Normans Creek
NearestCityorTown: Essex
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Collision with fixed object
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Operator inattention
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On Monday June 28th 2021, Maryland Natural Resources Police was on routine patrol, aboard vessel NRP153 in Normans Creek, in Middle River.
While patrolling the creek, myself and Cadet witnessed multiple people standing at the end of Crescent Marina’s pier and waving cell phone lights to get our attention. At approximately 2116 hours we arrived at the dock where the manager of Marina had informed me that someone had hit her friends vessel sometime believed to be in the mid-morning hours on June 28th. 
Upon arriving on scene, we made contact with a 1988, 40 foot in length, Silverton Yacht vessel bearing MD registration 7220 BJ and the name LOLL -LEA. 
The son in law and authorized user of the LOLL -LEA who was making the boat accident report was later identified as RP#1. RP#1 informed me a club member had contacted him about the hit and run accident informing him that the vessel was okay around 4pm on Sunday June 27th 2021.  RP#1 believes the hit and run accident must have occurred after 4pm on Sunday June 27th throughout the mid morning hours on Monday June 28th 2021. At this time there was obvious damage that the unknown hit and run vessel had caused. This included damage to the T pier at Crescent Yacht Marina, hitting a piling so hard, it sheered it in half, splitting wood off 4 planks on the pier and then striking RP#1’s vessel on the port side shattering two windows, bending and destroying the side railing, ripping the railing out of the fiberglass, striking the port side hull exposing fiberglass and leaving gouges, breaking off a section and shattering of the tinted windshield around the fly bridge as well as gouges in the fiberglass near the upper half of the fly bridge. The unknown striking vessel had left two pieces a white plastic behind in RP#1’s vessel, showing a dark blue in color paint transfer.
I collected pictures as well as a witness statement from RP#1 and manager.
On Tuesday June 29th 2021, at approximately 9:50 am, I received a phone call from Baltimore County Marine Unit Officer informing me after seeing a Facebook post, they have a possible suspect for the striking vessel. He informed me he was going to meet up with RP#1 to collect the two pieces of plastic and compare them to the possible striking vessel.
Once I arrived at Strawberry Point, I spoke to Baltimore County Marine Unit and he informed me due to the Facebook post, it was determined the striking vessel is located at Essex Marina in Hopkins Creek. Baltimore County Marine Unit took the two white pieces of plastic left behind at the scene of the accident, matched them up to the  suspects striking vessel and they fit perfectly. Baltimore County Marine Unit also was able to identify the striking vessels name, which is Natui Time.
After running the vessel name of Natui Time in LTD portable the striking vessel came back to a 1999, 32 foot, Sea Ray owned by OPERATOR 2.
At approximately 3:59 PM Baltimore County Marine Unit and I, received a text message from Baltimore County Marine Unit saying the striking vessel owner, OPERATOR 2, went to Crescent Marina today and admitted to being the operator of the striking vessel that caused the damage to RP#1’s vessel. OPERATOR 2 stated he panicked and that’s why he left the scene.
On Tuesday June 29th 2021 at 7:59 pm, I called RP#1 to confirm that OPERATOR 2 did indeed reach out to him. RP#1 informed me OPERATOR 2 visited Crescent Yacht Club Marina and confessed to the damaged to the boat and to the pier. OPERATOR 2 rendered his insurance information to RP#1 and submitted a claim to his progressive insurance company. 
On Wednesday June 30th 2021, I obtained photos of OPERATOR 2’s vessel, from the body worn camera of Baltimore County Marine Unit. Photos show damage to the bow pulpit and fiberglass hull. (attached to report). I also made contact with OPERATOR 2 at his residence. While speaking with OPERATOR 2 he was very open and honest about the situation. He explained to me how the water was choppy, he got distracted on his vessel, took his eyes off course for a second and when he looked up he was heading straight for the pier. He tried to pull back on the throttle, but it was too late. OPERATOR 2 informed me his Progressive insurance will be taking care of the cost of damaged to the pier and RP#1’s vessel. (see witness statement attached).
RP#1 was issued the following citations:
NR00X0U44 – FAILURE TO OBEY NAVIGATIONAL RULES OF THE ROAD
NR00Y0U44 – NEGLIGENT OPERATION OF A VESSEL
NR00Z0U44 – DUTY TO RENDER INFORMATION
All events occurred in Baltimore County Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0048
State: MD
AVesselLoss: -1
Date: 2021-07-03 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 14:03:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: 248 Park Lane
NearestCityorTown: Lusby
County: Calvert
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Fire/explosion (fuel)
AccidentCause1: Machinery failure
MachineryFailure: Unknown
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On Saturday July 3, 2021 Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for a vessel fire on Mill Creek off of Solomons Harbor in Lusby, MD. 
When I arrived on scene the Solomons Fire Department was on location with one fire truck and a vessel. The fire had already been extinguished but there were concerns about a possible fuel leak. Fireboard advised that they had already contacted Maryland Department of Environment in order to get a boom placed in the water to contain any possible leaks. I did notice a slight sheen on the water in the immediate area of the vessel but did not see any major spread out in the creek at that time. The vessel was a 1993 Baha 299 Fisherman 30 feet 3inches in length cabin cruiser white in color with Maryland registration 7278 BC.
At this point I made contact with the vessel owner. OPERATOR 1 advised that while under way north of Point Patience on the Patuxent River he noticed smoke coming from the cabin located in the front end of the vessel. He did not see any flames at this time but shut down his engine and pumped water into the cabin to douse the suspected fire. He was then towed by a Good Samaritan back to his slip located on Mill Creek off of Solomons Harbor. When he was back in his slip he attempted to start the engine back up at which point the engine compartment caught fire. Another Good Samaritan was nearby and both he and OPERATOR 1 used fire extinguishers in an attempt to put out the fire. The blaze was fully extinguished by the Fire Department who had been called in by someone who lived in the area.
OPERATOR 1 was unable to provide any information on either of the good Samaritans that had assisted him. The fire was contained to OPERATOR 1’s vessel and none of the vessels in neighboring slips were damaged. The fire damage seemed to be contained to the engine compartment and cabin area of the vessel. 
Once the fire department advised that it was safe to move the vessel OPERATOR 1 called Mill Creek Marina to arrange having the vessel pulled out of the water and dry docked. The fire department agreed to use their vessel to tow OPERATOR 1’s to that location.
OPERATOR 1’s vessel is insured through Progressive Insurance who advised him that the vessel is considered totaled due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
All events occurred in Calvert County, MD.


BARDID: MD-2021-0049
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-06-26 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:25:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Back River/Tiki Lees Bar
NearestCityorTown: Baltimore
County: Baltimore
WaterConditions: Choppy
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentCause1: Alcohol
DayofWeek: Saturday
RedactedNarrative:
On 6/26/2021  Vessel #1 was attempting to dock at Tiki Lees Bar.  The bow of Vessel #1 struck the stern of Vessel #2 causing exterior paint damage to the engines.  The operator of Vessel #1 was intoxicated and arrested by  Baltimore Co. Police.


BARDID: MD-2021-0050
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-01 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 16:46:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Isle of Wight/Harbor to Rt 90
NearestCityorTown: Ocean City
County: Worcester
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: 0
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Fair
AccidentEvent1: Collision with recreational vessel
AccidentEvent2: Person ejected from vessel
AccidentCause1: Improper lookout
AccidentCause2: Navigation rules violation
AccidentCause3: Operator inexperience
DayofWeek: Thursday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 1, 2021 at approximately 1645 hours officers responded to livery located in reference to a property damage only vessel accident.  Upon arrival I made contact with one of the operators identified as OPERATOR 1 who stated the following.
    OPERATOR 1 stated that she was operating a jet ski with a passenger identified during a guided tour with LIVERY.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she only had a few hours experience operating a jet ski and did not check the weather forecast prior to departing.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she was traveling southbound at approximately 20 MPH when she observed a jet ski which was operated by OPERATOR 2 heading in a north direction right at her.  OPERATOR 1 stated that she turned away from the oncoming jet ski, but the oncoming jet ski turned as well.  Both jet skis turned into each others paths in attempt to avoid a collision.   The collision caused OPERATOR 1 and passenger to fall of the jet ski, however they were helped back on by the guide.  Neither OPERATOR 1 or passenger were injured in this collision.  The jet ski that OPERATOR 1 was operating was a 2021 SEADOO GTX Rotax powered (130 H.P.) ski.  The damage to the jet ski was fiberglass damage and a dent.  LIVERY Watersports estimated that damage to be approximately $1500.00.  
    I spoke to passenger and he only recalls the jet skis colliding and him falling off, he could not provide any additional information.
    I spoke to OPERATOR 2 who stated he was operating a jet ski in a guided tour with LIVERY watersports.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he only had a few hours operating a jet ski, and did not check the weather prior to departing.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he was traveling northbound at approximately 20 MPH when he observed a jet ski traveling southbound right at him.  OPERATOR 2 stated he attempted to turn but the oncoming jet ski turned as well.  Both Jet skis turned into each others paths and this caused the collision.  OPERATOR 2 stated he was able to stay aboard the jet ski after the collision, and was not injured.  OPERATOR 2 was operating a 2021 SEADOO GTX Rotax powered (130 H.P.) ski.  The damage to the jet ski was fiberglass damage and a dent.  LIVERY estimated that damage to be approximately $1500.00.  
    I spoke to GUIDE who stated he did not see the collision.  GUIDE stated he heard the collision and observed OPERATOR 1 and Stewart in the water.  GUIDE stated he assisted both subjects back onto the jet skis, and GUIDE did not observe any injuries to either subject.
    The weather that day was overcast but warm at approximately 85 degrees, the water being approximately 75 degrees.  The wind was out of the south, steady at 10-15mph, with gust into the low 20s and the water was choppy.  The boating traffic that day was moderate. 
    Both OPERATOR 1 and OPERATOR 2 failed to acknowledge each other while on a head on course, and due to operator inexperience neither subject were able to take the proper corrective action.  Both operators share fault in this collision.  Since no one was injured officers provided advice on proper navigational rules in lieu of any charges.  
    It should be noted that all parties involved parents were on location as well, and none of the parents requested any medical treatment for their respective children.
    All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0051
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-04 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:34:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake, North Glade C
NearestCityorTown: Swanton
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Moderate
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Other
OtherAccidentCause: Passenger/skier behavior
DayofWeek: Sunday
RedactedNarrative:
On July 4, 2021, at 1334 hours, I, officers were dispatched to respond to Garrett Regional Medical Center in reference to a subject being treated for an apparent boating accident on Deep Creek Lake.  I arrived at the hospital at 1406 hours, and was led to the patient.
          WATERSKIER 1 was being treated for a laceration to the area of his right eye in which he received eight stitches to close the wound.  WATERSKIER 1 stated that on that day, he was water skiing on tandem skis in the area of North Glade Cove of Deep Creek Lake.  At approximately 1215 hours, The vessel towing WATERSKIER 1, being operated by OPERATOR 1, was attempting to get WATERSKIER 1 up onto his skis from a stopped position.  As WATERSKIER 1 rose out of the water and attempted to gain his balance on the skis, he fell forward and struck his face on one of his skis.  WATERSKIER 1 estimated his speed at approximately 10 miles per hour at the time of his fall.  WATERSKIER 1 did not appear to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time of my interview, and stated that no one else on the boat had consumed any alcohol that day.  WATERSKIER 1 stated that it was his fault for the fall as he has little experience on skis, and stated that the operator hadn't done anything negligent.  WATERSKIER 1 stated that after realizing the extent of his injury, he was transported to the hospital, arriving at approximately 1315 hours.
     I cleared the hospital, and made contact with the vessels other passengers and operator at the time of the accident, meeting them at their house.  OPERATOR 1 provided me with all of he and his boats information, and corroborated the story provided by WATERSKIER 1.  I cleared the OPERATOR 1 residence at 1532 hours, finding no violations as a result of my investigation.
     All these events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


BARDID: MD-2021-0052
State: MD
AVesselLoss: 0
Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Time: 1899-12-30 13:49:00
NameOfBodyOfWater: Deep Creek Lake
NearestCityorTown: Oakland
County: Garrett
WaterConditions: Choppy
StrongCurrent: 0
HazardousWaters: 0
CongestedWaters: -1
Wind: Light
Visibility: Good
AccidentEvent1: Skier mishap
AccidentCause1: Force of wake/wave
DayofWeek: Monday
RedactedNarrative:
On 7/5/2021 at approximately 2:30pm, Maryland Natural Resources Police arrived at Garrett Regional Medical Center for a report of a tubing accident on Deep Creek Lake, MD. I made contact with TUBER 1 at GRMC. TUBER 1 had broken her left clavicle while riding on a tube in the area of Blakeslee Cove. Her boyfriend was riding on the tube with TUBER 1. TUBER 2 said the boat was performing "S turns" while they were being towed. When the tube crossed over the wake of their boat, a wave had also collided with the passengers on the tube. TUBER 2 advised that the tube tilted at a sharp angle and he was forced onto TUBER 1. The impact of TUBER 2 colliding on top of TUBER 1 caused her broken left clavicle.
TUBER 1 was then pulled onto vessel MD 3640 BR and escorted back to the respective dock. TUBER 1 was then transported to Garrett Regional Medical Center by family.
All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.


