On 06-14-09 at approximately 2147hrs, I was dispatched to the Patapsco River just north of the Key Bridge for a 2 vessel collision with possible injuries.  The US Coast Guard was already on the scene as I arrived.  I made contact with both vessels and the subjects aboard them.   Vessel #1 can be described as a 1984 Donzi, 21' in length, blue and white in color, bearing Maryland registration 0182BC.  The operator of vessel #1 and he had been drinking.  Vessel #2 can be described as a 2005 Carolina Skiff, 20' 10" in length, bearing Maryland registration 9433BT.    

The US Coast Guard followed vessel #2 to Ft. Armistead Park where EMS personnel were waiting, as passenger of vessel #2 was complaining of an injury to her left leg.  I remained on the scene and determined that Operator1 could be under the influence of alcohol.  Baltimore County Police stood by with vessel #1, while I transported Operator1 to Ft. Armistead Park to complete Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.  

Further investigation revealed that vessel #2 was accelerating, traveling at approximately 3 knots in a southerly direction, after assisting another vessel.  Vessel #1 then struck vessel #2 in the starboard stern area at an angle, causing superficial/minor damage to the vessel in the starboard stern, midships, bow, and gunwale areas.  Victim, the passenger in vessel #2, stated that the collision injured her leg; however there was no obivious or apparent injury.  Victim ultimately refused medical treatment from EMS personnel.  Paint transfer was seen on vessel #2 from vessel #1 (see pictures).  The operator of vessel #1, Operator1, stated he was cruising at approximately 25-30 knots when he struck vessel #2 with the port bow of his vessel.  Operator1 stated that he did not see vessel #2, despite the fact that vessel #2's navigational lights were functional, and in use, during that time.  The sea conditions at this time were calm, the wind was calm, there was no fog or haze, and there was a half moon.  Boat traffic at this time was light.

While at Ft. Armistead, Operator1 refused to take any of the tests, other than HGN, due to a chronic leg injury.  There was no probable cause to make an arrest of Operator1.  Operator1 was issued 5 Natural Resources Citations, listed as follows:

4Y66147239     MR 08.18.01.05B....Negligent Operation 
5Y66147240     NR 8-738.1....Reckless Operation
6Y66147241     MR 08.18.01.04B....Unsafe Speed for Conditions
0Y66147242     MR 08.18.01.04A....Rules of the Road Violation, Rule 13, Improper Overtaking
1Y66147243     MR 08.18.01.04A....Rules of the Road Violation, Rule 5, Fail to Maintain Proper Lookout

Vessel #1 was taken to the owner's residence by the owner's family member.  Vessel #2 was taken to the owner's residence by the owner.  

In conclusion, my investigation revealed that the operator of the at-fault vessel, vessel #1, operated by the defendant, operated his vessel in a negligent manner, endangering the life, limb, and/or property of the persons involved by striking vessel #2 with his vessel, causing damage and injury.  It was determined that the defendant also operated his vessel in a reckless manner, endangering the life, limb and/or property of the persons involved, by striking vessel #2 with his vessel, causing damage and injury.  It was determined that the defendant operated his vessel at an unsafe speed for the traffic density in the area, the state of visibility, and the lighting conditions at the time, to include the presence of background light intensity from shore lights.   The defendant should have known vessel #2 had the right-of-way, and was in his path, and should have yielded the right of way according to Federal Rules of the Road.   It was determined that the defendant failed to comply with Rule 13, of the Federal Rules of the Road, fo
Sparrows Point                