RedactedNarrative: On 18 June 2016 at approximately 1230PM, Officers all of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, were on patrol in the area of the Kent Narrows Drawbridge. While passing under the bridge, we were contacted by the Kent Narrows drawbridge operator, who advised us that the 57’ President Marine Yacht that had just passed us, headed north, had made contact with the wooden dolphin on the south side of the bridge, as well as had made contact with the bridge structure as he passed underneath.  There was no damage to the bridge or dolphin, other than slight paint transfers.
  
        We observed the vessel, a 57’ President Marine yacht, refueling at Piney Narrows Marina; there was visible damage to the rub and safety rails on the port side.  There was also visible damage to the starboard rub and safety rails, including wood splinters which matched the wooden dolphins that protect the south entrance of the bridge. 
  
        I made contact with the owner and operator of the vessel, who advised he had just purchased the vessel from the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, and was in the process of transiting to his slip at Maryland Yacht Club. Operator had documentation of the purchase, and was in the process of having the title and registration put into his name. 
  
        Operator stated that as he attempted to transit the Kent Narrows bridge, a smaller vessel had overtaken his vessel. He continued that his vessel was pulled by the current as he avoided the smaller vessel, but he believed he was still in enough control and position to continue transiting. As he attempted to transit, the current pushed his vessel into the wooden dolphin on the south east of the bridge, where his starboard side made contact. Operator then applied forward throttle, which shot him across the channel and into the eastern side of the bridge structure, striking it with his port side. He then cleared the bridge, and put his vessel against the Piney Narrows Marina fuel dock to refuel and assess damage. Operator did not possess a boater’s safety certificate, and was issued three warnings for missing safety equipment and documentation. Photographs are attached of the damage.
  
  
   ALL OBSERVATIONS ARE BASED ON MY TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE. ALL EVENTS OCCURRED IN QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND.
  