RedactedNarrative: On 10-15-16 at 1611 hours, received a call on vhf channel 16 for a boat accident in middle river, close to the mouth of galloway creek.  Investigation revealed that vessel #2, the sailboat, was heading north under power, returning to maryland marina. Vessel #1, the power boat, was heading south returning to the owner/operators home, where the boat is kept. The operator of vessel #1 stated that without warning, the steering failed, and the boat made a hard left turn.
   
   
  Seeing that his boat was heading directly toward vessel #2, the operator put the vessel into reverse attempting to avoid the collision.  But in a matter of seconds the collision occurred. A check of the steering on vessel # 1, showed the wheel was extremely hard to turn, and the steering fluid had a discoloration to it and appeared milky.  Vessel #1 operator stated that he and his passenger were out fishing and during the time he had consumed two beers, the last of which was before noon.  After speaking with the operator, he did not appear to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the incident.
   
  The passenger of vessel # 1 stated that he was seated on the port side of the boat facing towards the stern. All of a sudden the boat made a hard left turn and he felt the boat go into reverse and in a matter of seconds the collision occurred. The operator of vessel #2 stated that he was seated at the stern of his boat.  The view to his port/bow was slightly obstructed by the top of the cabin.  When he did see vessel #1, it was heading directly at this boat, and in about five seconds the collision occurred and he was thrown to the floor of the cockpit area.  
   
  The operator of vessel #2 complained of pain to his left leg. He was able to get his boat back to the marina where baltimore county medic #15 was waiting  and transported him to franklin square hospital for treatment.  The leg was bruised, but not broken.  Neither the operator or passenger  of vessel #1 reported any injuries.  Vessel #1 was towed by a friend of the owner/operator back to his residence.  An exchange of information, took place with each operator.
  