RedactedNarrative: On May 26, 2018 at approximately 5:29PM, I (Sgt.) was dispatched to Paradise Water sports for a report of a boat accident with injuries. When I arrived on scene employees advised that the rental group on personal watercraft (PWC) had not yet returned but that there were injured parties in the group. I contacted a nearby patrol vessel that responded to the location. They were able to locate the victim ) from the accident. They determined that the subject had sustained serious injuries to her head and neck area. They were able to load her onto the patrol vessel and transported her to shore. Ocean City EMS was already on scene and took over treatment of the victim. Ocean City transported her to the Ocean City airport where MSP aviation transported her by helicopter to Christiana Hospital in Newark Delaware.  I spoke with PWC guide who was present on scene. He advised that he had witnessed the collision.He stated that PWC #1 (MD 3946 DB) operated by Operator1 was traveling south at approximately 30-40 knots. He was within 100 feet of PWC #2 (MD 3943 DB) that was operated by Operator2. A male subject was a passenger on PWC#2. PWC#2 was also traveling south bound at approximately 30-40 knots. 
  Guide stated that he observed them close together and was attempting to get the operators to separate from one another. He advised that PWC#1 turned into PWC#2 causing a collision. All occupants were thrown into the water. He and another guide started assisting the injured parties. I spoke with another female who was operating another rental PWC and advised that she witnessed the collision. She stated that PWC #1 was traveling parallel to PWC#2 on it's port side. PWC#1 then turned to its starboard side and into PWC#2. PWC#1 struck PWC#2 with it's starboard bow area. PWC#2 received damage to it's port side and bow area. All occupants were thrown into the water. She advised that PWC guides responded and started to help the people. 
  
  I spoke with V2 occupant who was the passenger on PWC#2. He advised that they were traveling at about 30 knotsand were "blindsided by the other PWC". V2 occupant is in a relationship with Operator2 and was visibly upset. I noted that V2 occupant had an injury to his head and that he seemed to be in pain. V2 occupant refused any medical treatment from EMS and stated that his parents were both doctors. 
  
  I spoke with Operator1 who was the operator and sole occupant of PWC#1. He stated that he was riding in circles at approximately 30 knots. He stated that PWC#2 crossed in front of his path. He attempted to let off the throttle but was unable to avoid the collision.  Both PWC's were brought back to the dock. I was able to inspect and photograph both PWC's. I observed PWC#1 to have severe fiberglass damage to its starboard bow area. I also noted that PWC#2 had severe fiberglass damage to its port side and bow area. The damage appeared to be consistent with all the witness accounts with the exception of Operator1.  After inspecting the damage and reviewing witness statements I found that PWC#1 was the at fault vessel. USCG Navigational Rules state that while power driven vessels are in motion, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. It also states that an operator must maintain a proper lookout to avoid potential collisions. 
  
  PWC #1 was on the port side of PWC#2. Since PWC #1's starboard side was towards PWC #2 that makes PWC#1 the "give way" vessel. PWC #1 turned towards it's starboard side into an intersecting path with PWC #2. The resulting turn caused there to be a collision. The damage to PWC#1's starboard side bow would indicate that PWC#1 was indeed the giveway vessel. PWC#2's damage to its port side also confirms that vessels status as the "right of way" vessel. Due to the severity of the damage it is clear that both vessels were traveling at a high rate of speed. I find the estimate of speed by all witnesses of around 30 knots to be credible. I found that Operator1 committed the following infractions. Rules of the road- failure to yield right of way. Rules of the road- failure to maintain a proper lookout. Operating a PWC within 100 feet of another vessel/PWC at a speed greater than 6 knots. I issued Operator1 1 citation for operating a vessel in a negligent manner.
  Operator2 was listed as being in critical condition at the hospital and was not able to speak with her. I contacted the hospital at approximately 11:00PM. Hospital staff advised that Operator2 was currently in surgery and would be in the intensive care unit after surgery. I have received specialized training in the area of accident/collision investigations. I'm certified through the Maryland Police Training Commission as an Advanced Collision Investigator in the State of Maryland. All of theabove events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland  I have spoken with hospital staff and family members on several occasions since the collision. They advised that Operator2 is still in critical condition at Christiana Hospital. Operator2 is currently in a medically induced coma with severe head and internal injuries.
  