RedactedNarrative: On July 31, 2021 at approximately 1740 hours MNRP responded to LIVERY Watersports located at 5000C Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD in reference to a property damage vessel accident.  Upon arrival I made contact with the operator of rented jet ski identified as OPERATOR 1 who stated the following.
      OPERATOR 1 stated that one July 31, 2021 at approximately 1700 hours he rented a jet ski from LIVERY Watersports and began a guided tour.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was riding in the riding area for LIVERY Sports.  However OPERATOR 1 stated that he observed his girl friend near the mooring area, so he began to travel to her direction.  OPERATOR 1 stated that as he approached the mooring area he attempted to slow down but was struck by a wake and ejected from the jet ski.  OPERATOR 1 stated that the force from the wake caused the jet ski to strike a nearby vessel, and then the jet ski struck a second vessel also OPERATOR 1d in the mooring area.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was not injured and was able to get back on the jet ski.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was wearing the cut off switch lanyard, which worked and killed power to the motor of the jet ski once he was ejected.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was wearing his life jacket as well.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he had less then 10 hours operating any vessel and had obtained his boater safety card through LIVERY Watersports.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he did not check the weather prior to him departing on the tour.  
      OPERATOR 1 was operating a 2021 Seadoo Spark Maryland registration 1207LB powered by a 130 H.P. Rotax engine, which was owned by LIVERY Watersports.  This vessel suffered minimal damage described as scuff marks which would not require any repairs.  The first vessel that was struck was a 2021 Cobia 280CC Delaware registration 6227AM powered by twin 250 H.P. Yamaha outboards.  This vessel received damage on the port aft portion of the vessel.  The damage is described as scuff marks and scratches, and damage to the gel coat.  The owner of the vessel identified as OWNER 2 who stated that the damage was going to amount to approximately $5000.00.  OWNER 2 stated that based on owning previous vessel's and having similar work done is how he came to his estimate.   OWNER 2 was able to obtain a written estimate of $1500.00 to repair the damage, this estimate was completed by 113 Boat Sales.  The second vessel that was struck was a 2013 Yamaha STX1800 Maryland registration 2774CF powered by twin inboard 180 H.P. motors.  The owner of this vessel is identified as OWNER 3 who stated the damage to this vessel is described as damage to the paint on the port of the vessel, and the damage is estimated at $2000.00.  OWNER 3 stated that he had his whole boat painted last year at a cost of $3500.00, and this is how OWNER 3 is making his estimate.  At the time this report was written no estimate has been obtained from OWNER 3.  Both the Cobia and the Yamaha were OPERATOR 1d at the time with no one on the vessels at the time of the collision.  Neither owner observed the collision they where just made aware of the collision after the fact.  It should be noted the initially OWNER 3 left the area prior to my arrival.  OWNER 3 was able to contact me through making contact with LIVERY Watersports first.
      The first witness was a friend to OWNER 2 who stated the following.  WITNESS stated that on July 31, 2021 he was at the beach area which would be approximately 300 yards from the collision.   WITNESS stated that he observed a red in color jet ski operating at speed within the mooring area.  WITNESS stated that he observed the operator of the jet ski get ejected from the jet ski, and the jet ski strike the OPERATOR 1d Cobia vessel and then strike the the OPERATOR 1d Yamaha vessel.  WITNESS stated he was aware the Cobia vessel was owned by OWNER 2, so WITNESS advised OWNER 2 what had just occurred.
  
      I was able to interview an employee of LIVERY Watersports who stated the following.  LIVERY OWNER stated that he was ashore at LIVERY Watersports when he observed a jet ski in the vicinity of the mooring area.  LIVERY OWNER stated that he was unable to really determine any speed that the jet ski was traveling at.  LIVERY OWNER stated he was also unable to tell if the jet ski was within the mooring.  LIVERY OWNER stated that he did observe the subject get ejected from the jet ski, and the jet ski then collide with the Cobia vessel and then strike the Yamaha vessel.  
      I spoke to the guides who stated that they did not see the collision at all.  The guides were only aware that something occurred after they observed OPERATOR 1 in the water, trying to get back onto the jet ski.
      I believe the cause for this accident was that OPERATOR 1 was traveling over 6 knots within 100 feet of the victim's vessel.  The weather on July 31, 2021 was clear with a light breeze and calm water.  There was a heavy amount of boat traffic in the area causing wakes which would have an adverse effect on a novice operator.    After reviewing the damage to the vessel, while it may be costly to repair it was not extensive and the vessel did not suffer and significant enough damage to cause any concern for seaworthiness.  OPERATOR 1 was educated on the rules and regulations for PWCS, and no further paperwork was issued.  
  
      All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.
  