RedactedNarrative: On 06/14/2020, I, Cpl. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police received a call concerning a subject in Easton Memorial Hospital that was involved in a boating accident. I informed the Duty Officer I would make contact with the subject when I got off of the river, and the subject was finished with the medical attention at the hospital. I called into the hospital for status on Victim. It was reported he was with the doctor attempting to put a tooth back in. He was brought in by his father at 2:44 AM. The nature of the injuries were minor facial trauma to the mouth causing the loss of two front teeth.
  
     At approximately 6:50 AM, I arrived at Easton Memorial Hospital, and was informed the subject was released to his father. It was reported that Victim was released at 6:19 AM. I proceeded to the Victim residence.
  
     I met with the father. He stated that Victim was asleep, under medication. Father stated that his son Victim was at a birthday party of a friend Operator. They decided to take the boat out to go for a swim, and on the way back, they ran into a piling. This caused Victim to hit his mouth on the center console hand rail, knocking out his two top front teeth. Father was notified about the incident. This was the location of the birthday party camp out. Father stated it was Operator's Uncle’s place. Father stated all the boys were good boys and he was positive alcohol was not involved. They were just being irresponsible.
  
  Operator’s uncle stated that he was the uncle of Operator. Operator wanted to have a camp out with some friends for his birthday. Operator’s uncle allowed it and stated he walked down to check on them several times, making sure things were all right. Operator’s uncle assured me there was absolutely no alcohol at the camp out. He wasn't aware that the boys took the boat out over night until the next morning. Operator’s uncle said the boat belonged to his sister. Operator’s uncle took me to the river shore where the boys were camping, and to the dock where the boat was. I observed where the vessel hit the piling on the bow, and there was very little damage to the bow. Pictures were taken. The vessel's registration was MD 953 BK, which is a 2000, 23 ft. fiberglass Parker with a 200 HP gas outboard. There were sufficient PFDs onboard and the navigational lights were operable.
  
     Upon leaving, I was met by one of the young boys and his father. Operator’s father stated he was told I was there, so he brought his son to tell me what happened. I asked the young boy if he was Operator, and he confirmed. He readily handed me his student identification, and boater's safety card (#12492806). I asked Operator to explain the events from that night. He stated he had some friends camp out with him for his birthday, at his uncle's place (pointing to the house behind us). Most left by 10:30 PM, except for  Victim and one other. 
  
  During the night it was decided to meet up with a girl in Oxford to go swimming. He stated around 11:30 PM, they left to go to Oxford. All three individuals were wearing life vests. At around 2:00 AM, they started back to the dock. Operator stated the were just cruising at around 1200 RPMs (approximately 3 knots), listening to music on the radio and talking. He stated they hit the channel marker just before they got to Peach Blossom Creek. 
  
  Occupant1 was laying in the bow floor because he was cold. Occupant2 was standing next to him talking. When they hit the pole, Occupant2 hit his mouth on something on the center console and knocked some teeth out. The hit caused the osprey to fall into the boat and was flopping on Occupant1. They were able to shoo the osprey out of the boat and tend to Occupant2, as his mouth was bleeding. 
  
  Occupant2's father was called to come pick him up. Operator and Occupant1 cleaned the boat up and put things away. I asked who was operating the boat. Operator stated he was. I asked how fast they were really going. He stated is was only 1200 RPMs which was about 3 knots. The damage to the bow showed the vessel was not going fast. I asked how loud was the music. He stated not loud at all, because they could still hold a normal conversation. I asked if they snuck in any beer or other alcohol for the party. He stated they did not. I asked if he had the navigational lights on. He acknowledged he did. I asked what color was the channel marker. He stated he wasn't 100% sure, but he believed it to be green. I asked if it was in the middle of the river. He stated it was and it was just past the right turn headed to Peach Blossom. I informed him it was a green day marker, which didn't require a blinking light. I also explained the signs are reflective and the navigational lights would reflect, causing a seeable glow (if the operator were paying attention). Note: For the record it was Tred Avon River Daybeacon 15. I informed Operator based on his story, I had determined why he ran into the day marker. I asked Operator if he could tell me what he thought caused the accident. He stated that he was distracted by the music and conversation with Occupant2 and wasn't paying attention to avoid hitting the pole until it was too late. I agreed. Operator completed boater's safety in 05/19. Operator’s father stated they have supervised him with his navigational skills, and he does very well. Operator stated that it was irresponsible for him to take the boat out that late and he feels horrible that he injured his best friend. Operator’s father stated they had a long conversation about being responsible and boating decisions. Victim was the only injury from the collision.
  
     My investigation revealed that the collision with the green daybeacon 15 was caused by operator error by not paying attention to avoid a collision.
  
     I will follow up with Operator to issue a warning, and allow his parents to handle any disciplinary matters.
  
     This event occurred in Talbot County, Md.
  