On 06/21/09 at 1122 hours, Ofc. was notified of a boating accident off the Talbot County waters of the Choptank River near the rt. #50 Bridge. This Officer and Cpl responded from Cambridge, by boat and arrived at 1202 hours. The sailing vessel bearing DC Registration DC 0271 C was observed just west of the bridge . This Officer observed five persons on board the vessel.

Operator advised while returning to port, at Gateway Marina, the transmission failed and the vessel drifted east and the mast and Jib Sail hit the Fred Maukus Bridge. the sail, weathervane, and navigation lights were damaged. Operator notified the U.S. Coast Guard and received a tow, away from the bridge, where this Officer made contact with the vessel at anchor. The operator advised no injuries were sustained to any of the passengers aboard. The operator contacted commercial towing assistance which had a four (4) hour estimated time of arrival.

This Officer and Corporal ford towed the vessel to Gateway Marina, due to fear of safety for the crew. The operator cancelled commercial towing assistance.
Cambridge                     