On 04/12/09, at approximately 1148 hrs., the writer responded to a possible overturned vessel off of pier one in the Chesapeake Bay, in Queen Annes County, Maryland. Once on scene, it was determined that the vessel, a 38' Hunter Motorsail, white in color, had not overturned. Instead, the vessel had been involved in a boat accident and was anchor with commercial assistance ( Sea Tow). No one was injured. The vessel was able to return to Annapolis Harbor under its sails and rigging were removed from the water. the writer spoke with the boat owner. He stated that his wife was operating the vessel at the time of the accident. He stated that the vessel had passed under the westbound span of the Bay Bridge and was sailing in a asoutherly direction. Suddenly it felt as if the wind shifted and a large wave lurched the vessel sharply in an Easterly direction, towards Pier One/Bay Bridge Marina. the eastbound span has a lower clearance than the westbound span. as the vessel plowed towards the eastern shore, the main mast hit the bridge and split off approximately 3' down. Instantly all of the rigging and sails fell into the bay. wife allowed the vessel to drift towards Pier One/Bay Bridge Marina, since she did not know what lines and cables may be tangled under the vessel. husband anchored the vessel just outside the channel into Bay Bridge Marina and called for commercial assistance.
Stevenville                   