RedactedNarrative: On July 3rd, 2015 at approximately 1830hrs. I responded to the Severn River near Chase Creek for a vessel collision.  A 41 foot  power vessel, operated by Operator1 collided with a 15 foot sailboat operated by Operator2.  Operator2 with V2 passenger were sailing from Chase Creek down river approximately Southwest direction.  Operator1 was traveling up river and heading into Chase Creek.  Operator2 stated that they saw the vessel heading toward them and started waving their arms and yelling to get the operator's attention.  Operator2 said Operator1 was at the helm, but appeared to be looking down.  Operator2 said they abandoned the sailboat when it appeared the power vessel was not stopping or changing course.  The power vessel struck the front left of the sailboat at approximately 20 degrees behind the bow.  V2 passenger and Operator2 surfaced on the starboard side of Operator1's vessel.  A good Samaritan rescued V2 passenger and Operator2 from the water.  Both were transferred to Operator1's vessel by the time officers arrived on scene.  Occupants from both vessels refused medical treatment.  Operator2 did have a bruise on his upper left arm and bottom paint transfer on the top of his right foot.  I arrived on scene and took statements from the occupants of both vessels.  Coast Guard members from Station Annapolis inspected the power vessel.  I conducted field sobriety tests on Operator1.  There were no clues or indicators he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  I transported Operator2 and V2 passenger to their departure point on the Severn River.  USCG members completed the vessel inspection.  Operator1 was cited for negligent operations by the USCG.  Operator1 returned to home port in Chase Creek.  At the sailboat's departure point I photographed the damage to the sailboat and made a rough estimate of the cost of damage.  The sailboat was purchased at $1500.  To replace the mast, boom and sail would cost approximately $934.  I am unsure of the cost to repair the fiberglass at this time.  Part of the mast and boom were recovered.  The sail was lost and believed to wrapped in Operator1's props.  
  
  Weather: At the time of the accident wind was East at 8 knots.  Air temperature was 77 degrees.  Water temperature was 76 degrees.  Tide was rising.  It was overcast.  Vessel traffic was heavy, but not congested.  There was a considerable amount of boat wake.  
  
  According to Operator1, he stated he had not been on his vessel in over a year.  He had traveled up the Severn River and down to the Route 50 Bridge.  He had been out for a couple of hours and was returning to Chase Creek.  I asked if he heard or saw anything before the accident.  He said no, he only heard the crash.  The helm on Operator1's boat is on the right side.  The helm area is enclosed with glass and fully covered.  The navigation equipment and radar were off and the display covers were on the units at the time of the accident.  The vessel has twin diesel engines, 425 horsepower each.  Operator1 said he was traveling at idle speed, approximately 5 to 6 knots.  From my investigation Operator1 was negligent in operation of his vessel.  He was distracted or inattentive and was not keeping a proper lookout while underway.  Being in an enclosed helm with possible loud diesel engines, even at idle, and not paying attention to the surroundings is what caused Operator1 to collide with the sailboat.  Operator2 was in a small sailboat in light winds.  Operator2 has minimal experience with the sailboat.  He had little ability to maneuver to avoid a collision.    
  
  All events took place in Anne Arundel County, Maryland..