RedactedNarrative: On 06/16/19 at approximately 11:30 P.M., I, Cpl. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a call for an unmanned vessel stuck in gear and hitting multiple docks and pylons in the area of South Creek on the West River. Upon arriving on scene, Anne Arundel Fire Boat 41 had the vessel secured to a dock. 
  
  The vessel was a white 17' Mako; model Pro Skiff, displaying MD vessel registration 4786 DB. I observed that the bow cover was completely ripped off as well as fiberglass damage to the bow of the Mako where it had been wedged underneath the dock. I further observed 3 beer cans located in cup holders on the starboard side of the Mako as well as life jackets strewn across it. There was an odor of alcohol resonating from the Mako as well. I then talked to Captain of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, who stated that when they arrived on scene the Mako was wedged up underneath the aforementioned dock with the engine stuck in gear just above idle. Captain stated that the bow was perpendicular to the dock and was stuck between the dock and the outdrives of a vessel that was up on a lift at the dock. Captain advised that both occupants were safe and accounted for and he was going to have one of his units bring the captain of the Mako to our location.
  
      It should be noted that approximately an hour earlier, Ofc., of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, had received a pulse point update of a vessel that ran aground in the area of the West River. At that time no response was required.  It was later discovered that the vessel that had run aground was in fact the unmanned Mako that I had received a call for.
  
      Approximately 15 minutes later, the captain of the Mako arrived on scene. Operator1 appeared to be shaken at first and I detected an odor of alcohol resonating from his person. Operator1 advised that around 10:00 P.M. he and his friend were leaving Riverside restaurant located on the West River. Operator1 advised that they were travelling East, at approximately 15 knots, when Operator1 turned the Mako approximately 45 degrees to the port side heading back towards his dock. Operator1 stated that when he was turning the Mako he felt a thud that sounded like it came towards the front-center of the vessel just forward of the helm. The impact caused Niece, who was standing on the port-center of the Mako, next to the helm, to fall overboard. 
  
  Operator1 stated that when Niece fell overboard he attempted to grab Niece but his hand was still gripping the steering wheel as he shifted his momentum to the port side. This shift of momentum caused Operator1 to inadvertently turn the wheel harder to port, which caused the Mako's stern to kick out, thus causing Operator1 to fall overboard as well. Operator1 stated that they were a couple hundred yards off shore, in the middle of South Creek on the West River, when they fell of the Mako. 
  
  Operator1 advised that the Mako was turned hard to port and must have made a dozen or more circles before he heard it impact the dock. Operator1 stated at one point the Mako was no more than 25 feet from him performing a variety of small to large port-side turns as it was stuck in gear. Operator1 estimated that it was about a 1/4 nautical mile swim to the shore which took him and Niece approximately 20 minutes; at which time they ran back to Operator1's residence and called 911. Operator1 advised that he was not wearing his engine cut-off switch at the time of the accident.
  
      I asked Operator1 how many beers he had consumed prior to leaving the restaurant to which he responded "one." I asked Operator1 if that was the only beer he had consumed all day to which he responded that he had consumed 2 beers around 10:00 earlier that morning but then took a nap before heading back out later that afternoon. I advised Operator1 that I could smell an odor of alcohol resonating from his person and he admitted to chugging a beer right when he got back to his residence following the incident. I asked Operator1 if he thought alcohol had contributed to the accident to which he responded "no." Operator1 contributed the accident to the fact that both he and Niece were located on the port side of the Mako when he made his turn to port. Operator1 stated that Niece was located on the port-center of the Mako, at the gunwale; while he (Operator1) was at the helm, leaning towards the port side near Niece. Operator1 stated that due to this positioning, it caused the Mako to list prominently on its port side. Operator1 also cites the fact that he wasn't wearing his engine cut-off switch as a contributing factor to the accident.
  
      I then talked to the property owner, who had came out to investigate what was going on at his pier. I advised him on what had happened and asked if he thought the vessel, (2000 white in color, 40' Formula, model 400SS displaying MD registration 7749 CH) which was on a lift at his pier, had sustained any damage. He stated that the outdrives on the Formula had been set straight but after the impact from Operator1's unoccupied Mako the outdrives were now pushed to the left. He advised that the Formula was not his but rather belonged to his friend. He stated that he would have to consult to determine the extent of damage done to the outdrives and if any other damage was sustained. 
  
  
  Mechanic stated that the impact caused by the Mako shifted both outdrives to the left and broke the gimbal ring on the port outdrive. He estimated that parts alone would be approximately $3,500, with a total cost including labor at around $7,500.
  
      On 06/19/19, at approximately 6:00 P.M., mechanic had advised and further advised that there is significant play in the steering.  
  
      The accident resulted in property damage only; no injuries were sustained. All events occurred in Anne Arundel County Maryland.
  