On the above date at approximately 2000 hours, Cpl of the MNRP was traveling eastbound on the William preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge in an off-duty status. At that time CPL observed three individuals clinging to what appeared to be an overturned cooler. CPL also observed what appeared to be the bow section of a vessel sticking out of the water near the victims. At that time CPL notified Tawes Communication and responded to the Bay Bridge Marina where he went underway with an NRP vessel. CPL advised via radio that he was able to locate, with the assistance of an MdTA officer providing direction, the three individuals on two coolers. Once on board CPL immediatly checked the well being and determined that two individuals were still missing. CPL did advised that the two missing individuals were wearing PFDs. At that time two vessels from Area 3 were dispatched and arrived on scene to help with the search. After approximately five minutes the two remaining individuals were spotted on the Eastern Shore just north of the bridge. At that time all individuals were brought to the Bay Bridge Marina for medical assistance.

Once at the Marina all individuals were checked by medical personnel from the Kent Island VFD. All refused medical attention. at that point I spoke with the vessel operator who advised the following. at approximately 1600 hours the five individuals launched the 18' vessel from Sandy Point State Park to fish. Once on the bay the five head for, and fished around, the Sandy Point Light. After fishing the area the five then proceeded to the Eastern Shore side of the main shipping channel and re-anchored to fish some more. At approximately 1800 hours a large commercial vessel traveled under the main span of the bridge and continued north. After the vessel passed, the operator noticed that wake from the vessel was approaching. At that time the operator pulled the anchor and attempted to start the motor. With the anchor pulled, the vessel drifted several feet and the bow had turned to face the Eastern Shore. The operator was unable to start the vessel's motor before the wake arrived. The wake struck the transom of the vessel and caused water to enter same over the stern. The operator then advised that there was too much water in the vessel for the bilge pump to empty. At that time the operator had all on board move to the bow of the vessel in an attempt to raise the stern.hile all were on the bow the operator continued to attempt to start the motor. After approximately five minutes the vessel began to sink by the stern and as she went under the bow  rolled causing the vessel to capsize before sinking.
Stevensville                  