RedactedNarrative: On 08/19/17, at approximately 1900 hours, Master responded to a report of a boating accident on the Potomac River near Williamsport, Maryland.  Operator2 and Operator1, who are longtime friends, were each operating personal watercrafts on the river stretch known as Big Slackwater.   Each riding alone, the two subjects headed toward each other.  When they were within a few feet of each other they both tried to abruptly turn in opposite directions in an attempt to splash each other.  However Operator1 turned left into the path of Operator2.  Due to their excessive speed and close proximity,  Operator2 lost control of his PWC.  Operator2 spun around causing his stern to collide with starboard side of Operator1's PWC (see attached diagram).  When the officer arrived on scene at a private WV boat ramp, he found a crowd of people near a heavily damaged jetski (see attached photo, PA 2755 BS). 
  
   This vessel had been operated by Operator1.  Operator1 had already been transported by ambulance to the Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. No witnesses to the accident could be found. The officer was told the 2nd vessel and subject involved could be found at a ramp a short distance down river.  At another WV boat ramp, Off. found a partially submerged PWC (see attached photo, PA 3985 CB) with a cracked hull at the stern.  He also located the second subject, Operator2. 
  
  As the officer walked toward a cabin, he was approached by Operator2 and an unknown companion.  Operator2 was carrying a can of Yuengling Lager beer.  There was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on Operator2's person.  His eyes were bloodshot and glassy. He also had a scalp laceration on the upper right side of his head with blood running down to his neck (see attached photo). The companion stated that Operator2 had not been drinking alcohol while operating the PWC, however after the accident and on shore Operator2 consumed several cans of beer.  Operator2 admitted to operating the PWC and being involved in the accident. Sgt. arrived to assist.  
   Operator2 received citations for the following:
  
   NR 8-704  08.18.02.05M     Negligent operation of a PWC                                                                 $320          max. $500
   NR 8-704  08.18.02.05L     Operate PWC in excess of 6 knots within 100' of another vessel        $85            max. $500
  
   MOff. then went to the hospital where Operator1 was being treated for fractures to his right leg and wrist.  Operator2 was present in Operator1's hospital room. Operator1 admitted to being involved in the accident stating he and Operator2 were "screwing around".  Operator2 drew a diagram of the accident for the officer.  Both stated they were equally at fault.
   Operator1 received citations for the following:
  
   NR 8-704  08.18.02.05M     Negligent operation of a PWC                                                                 $320          max. $500
   NR 8-704  08.18.02.05L     Operate PWC in excess of 6 knots within 100' of another vessel        $85            max. $500
  
   The incident occurred in Washington County, Maryland, however the majority of the investigation took place in West Virginia.