RedactedNarrative: On August 26, 2018 at approximately 4:00 PM, we of the Maryland Natural Resources Police were on boat patrol on Middle River when we noticed a sailboat that was missing its mast and adrift near Wilson Point. We pulled up to the sailboat and made contact with the owner and sole occupant. The vessel's name was "Rauch" with hailing port "Baltimore, MD". Operator told us that he was sailing and his vessel collided with the navigation daymarker "WP", which pulled the mast off of the boat. The mast and sails were laying in the water off of the vessel's starboard side. The mast was broken severely and pulled from its anchor point in the hull (See attached photos). I estimate that the damage is in excess of $2,000.
   Operator told us that he was tending to his sails when the collision occurred. It is through Operator's admission and my investigation that led me to determine that Operator's failure to maintain a proper look-out was the primary cause of the collision.
  Sergeant conducted a safety equipment inspection of the vessel and found no violations. Tow Boat U.S. towed the vessel to Essex Marina. I contacted United States Coast Guard Sector Maryland NCR to notify them of the damage done to the federal navigation marker (See attached photos). I provided them with Operator's contact information.
  I issued Operator a citation for MR 08.18.01.04A - Violation of USCG Nav. Rules (Rule #5 Look-Out)
  I issued Operator a warning for failing to re-new his documented vessel Maryland use decal.
  All events occurred in Baltimore County, Maryland.
  