RedactedNarrative: On 09/06/20 at approximately 6:03 P.M., I received a call regarding a boating accident that occurred between two vessels in the area of Thomas Point in Annapolis. 
  
  I contacted the reporting party, who would be identified as OPERATOR 1. OPERATOR 1 stated that at around 5:50 P.M., he, along with two friends, were aboard his vessel, (18' Wellcraft, white in color, bearing MD registration 9098DB) trolling at the mouth of the South River off of Thomas Point. 
  
  OPERATOR 1 stated that as he was leaving the South River, he observed a large vessel (I later identified as VESSEL 2, blue and white in color, around the Thomas Point Lighthouse and head in his direction. OPERATOR 1 stated that he then turned his vessel 180 degrees starboard and proceeded trolling back into the mouth of the South River at an approximate speed of 1-3 knots. OPERATOR 1 stated that as he was continuing into the South River, he glanced back, and observed the VESSEL 2 getting closer and continuing to head in his direction. 
  
  OPERATOR 1 stated that as the VESSEL 2 continued to get closer, he thought it would eventually turn to the right, but it instead turned to the left. It was at this time that OPERATOR 1 and passengers all yelled as they thought they were about to be hit. OPERATOR 1 stated that their yelling had no effect, and within a matter of seconds, the VESSEL 2 struck the starboard stern of the VESSEL 1.
  
   It should be noted that the VESSEL 1 was equipped with a starboard side console, which is where OPERATOR 1 was positioned. OPERATOR 1 stated that right before impact, he moved to the opposite side of the VESSEL 1. OPERATOR 1 believed the VESSEL 2 would have hit him had he not repositioned himself. Furthermore, OPERATOR 1 stated that Passenger 1 was standing on the starboard stern of the VESSEL 1 at the time of impact, and his left arm was struck by the VESSEL 2. 
  
  OPERATOR 1 stated that Passenger 1 was not seriously injured but did complain of arm soreness. Passenger 1 did not seek any medical attention. OPERATOR 1 stated that VESSEL 2 never slowed down during the impact but rather proceeded to travel approximately 100 yards before turning around. OPERATOR 1 estimated that the VESSEL 2 was traveling at about 20 knots. OPERATOR 1 stated that once the VESSEL 2 got closer, he yelled to the operator, later identified as OPERATOR 2. OPERATOR 1 asked if he (OPERATOR 2) was okay. OPERATOR 1 stated that OPERATOR 2 acted strange and never answered his question but rather stated that the sun was in his eyes as he entered the South River. OPERATOR 1 stated that OPERATOR 2 gave him his cell phone number and then left the scene.
          VESSEL 1 sustained significant fiberglass damage as a result of the accident. The top of the gunwale, on the starboard side, back to the stern, sustained significant fiberglass gouging as well as paint transfer from the VESSEL 2. Furthermore, the stern light on the VESSEL 1 was bent over and damaged. OPERATOR 1 also advised that one of his fishing rods, which was in the rod holder on the starboard side, was damaged as a result of the accident. It appeared based on the damage that the VESSEL 2 rode on top of the VESSEL 1's starboard gunwale after it made impact with it.
          I then contacted OPERATOR 2 via his cell phone and made arrangements to meet him at his residence. OPERATOR 2 stated that around 5:49 P.M., he and his wife were traveling back from Swan Creek when he began to round Thomas Point Lighthouse and head towards the mouth of the South River. OPERATOR 2 stated that he was at the helm while his wife was down in the cabin area. OPERATOR 2 stated that as soon as he rounded Thomas Point Lighthouse, the sun was right in his eyes. OPERATOR 2 stated that he was traveling approximately 10-15 knots, heading into the mouth of the South River, when he felt a slight bump on the port side of his VESSEL 2. OPERATOR 2 stated that he turned around after feeling the bump and observed the VESSEL 1 directly behind him. OPERATOR 2 stated that he asked OPERATOR 1 if anyone was injured or if there was any damage to the VESSEL 1, but according to OPERATOR 2, OPERATOR 1 advised "no." OPERATOR 2 stated that it was his idea to exchange information and he provided OPERATOR 1 with his cell phone number. I asked OPERATOR 2 if he had consumed any alcohol prior to the accident, to which he said "no." It should be noted that I didn't smell any alcohol on OPERATOR 2's person, nor did he exhibit any signs of impairment.   
          I asked OPERATOR 2 if his VESSEL 2 sustained any significant damage, to which he responded "no." I observed a black scratch on the port side of the VESSEL 2 at about mid-ship, closer to the waterline. I described the damage that the VESSEL 1 sustained and advised OPERATOR 2 that he may want to have his VESSEL 2 pulled out of the water so he could have the bottom inspected. OPERATOR 2 maintained that he was traveling only 10-15 knots and didn't know VESSEL 1 was there until he heard the bump. 
          I issued OPERATOR 2 one citation for the following:
          08.18.01.04: Failure to Obey Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road). I referenced Rule 5 of the U.S. Coast Guard Inland Steering and Sailing Rules, which requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing to avoid a collision. 
          08.18.01.04 carries a pre-payable fine of $85 with a maximum penalty of $500 for a first offense and $1000 and/or 1 year of imprisonment for a second offense. 
          The accident resulted in property damage only.
          This case is closed, and all events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.