RedactedNarrative: On August 15, 2015 at approximately 10:00pm to 10:30pm, Operator was returning home on his vessel, bearing Maryland registration MD 1604 AX, from dinner from Shymansky's restaurant located in Cobb Island, Charles County, MD.  At that time Operator struck a lit green navigation marker (number 1) while entering Cuckold Creek off of the Potomac river where he resides.  Operator indicated that the steering to his vessel failed and he could not maneuver his vessel to avoid colliding into the marker.  There were three other people aboard the vessel at the time of collision.  No one was injured from the collision and the vessel was able to make it back to where Operator resides. 
  
  None of the people on board reported the accident to the Department of Natural Resources Police until I, Officer started investigating the situation from the calls that came in regarding the submerged marker.  The investigation took place on August 16, 2015 at approximately 3:30pm.  I noticed the leaning marker and was told by a recreational crabber, crabbing in Cockold Creek, that a boat with front end damage resides in the creek where the accident took place.  I located the vessel and approached Operator where he informed me of what had happened the night before.
     I contacted the United States Coast Guard, leaving my name and number with the call taker. They did not return my call, therefore Operator was charged with failing to report an accident (NR 8-724(b)), failure to keep proper lookout (NR 8-704 08.18.01.04), and negligent operation (NR 8-704 08.18.01.05).  The navigation marker was repaired and put back into the upright position by the United States Coast Guard.  There is nothing further to report.  This case is closed.  All actions took place in Charles County, MD..
   