RedactedNarrative: On October 24, 2019, at approximately 8:30 AM, Officer and I, Officer First Class, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for service in reference to a boating accident that occurred in Herring Bay near Rockhold Creek, Deale, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. DNR Communications advised that it was a major property damage collision with minor injuries.
  
       After arriving on scene we met with the owner of the striking vessel.  Operator1 was operating his 2002 SeaPro 202 bearing current Maryland registration 8842BM. Operator1 advised that he was heading East out of Rockhold Creek traveling approximately 28 knots to go out to the Chesapeake Bay to go fishing when he collided with another vessel that he did not see. This other vessel would later be identified as a 1993 Williams Marine, bearing current Maryland registration 7709D. Ofc.  asked Operator1 if he had any injuries. Operator1 stated that he only had a minor scratch above his right eye but did not require any medical attention.
  
       We then approached the vessel and its owner. Ofc. asked Operator2 if he had any injuries. Operator2 stated that the collision caused him to be tossed into the side of the vessel and his left elbow was sore, but, refused any medical treatment. We asked Operator2 about the cause of the accident. Operator2, a commercial waterman, stated that he was harvesting crabs from his trotline, heading in a northwest direction at about 3 knots, when his vessel was struck the side of the SeaPro. Operator1 advised that he did not see the SeaPro until after the accident occurred due to his monitoring the trotline. Operator2 stated that after the accident he had noticed the SeaPro approximately 400 yards away and Operator1 came back up to his vessel and said: “What have I done?”  Operator2 subsequently contacted DNR Communications and reported the accident.
  
       After speaking to both Operator1 and Operator2, it was clear that Operator1 was the operator responsible for causing the accident. Even though Operator2' vessel struck the side of Operator1's boat, Operator2 was the stand-on vessel as his vessel had reduced maneuverability due to be engaged in a commercial fishing activity. USCG Navigational Rule 18(a)(iii) states that a power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing. 
  
       We then gathered information and took pictures of both vessels. The SeaPro had sustained major damage to the starboard side of the vessel. There was a starboard side hull puncture, approximately 6 feet from the bow, that penetrated through the interior of the gunwale. Operator1 estimated the damage done to the vessel at approximately $2,000. The vessel had sustained separation of the rub rail on the bow, separation of the console from the floor (where the steering wheel was located), and major damage to the wooden canopy. Three of the four canopy support beams broke upon impact with the SeaPro. Operator2 also stated that there may be further fracturing and damage that was caused as well. Operator2 estimated the damage done to the vessel to be approximately $5,000. Operator2 also stated that no damage was done to any of his gear associated with the commercial activity.
  
       Because Operator1 was determined as the operator responsible for the accident he was charged with negligent operation of a vessel, and 3 counts of failure to obey USCG navigational rules of the road; Rule 5- improper lookout, Rule 6- unsafe speed for conditions, and Rule 8- Fail to take action to avoid a collision.
  
        On October 25, 2019, I contacted Operator2 to inquire about his injuries. Operator2 stated that he had gone to Anne Arundel Medical Center for his elbow. While at the hospital, Operator2 underwent tests for a head concussion and an x-ray for a broken elbow. Both tests resulted in negative findings. 
  
  All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
  
   
  
  This case is closed