RedactedNarrative: On September 3rd, 2022 at approximately 2128 hours, I, Ofc. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) was dispatched to a call regarding a hazard to navigation in the area of the Potomac River at the mouth of Seneca Creek in Dickerson, MD. Over the phone, I spoke with the caller and operator of the vessel, who confirmed that there were no injuries and his vessel was currently on his trailer at the Rileys Lock boat ramp, which is located in the 13000 block of Rileys Lock Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837. Operator explained that he had struck an unlit and unmarked 10x15 wooden floating dock in the Potomac River.
  
  I met with Operator at approximately 2200 hours at the Rileys Lock boat ramp. There was one other subject aboard his vessel at the time of impact. Neither party was reporting any type of injuries. I inspected the vessel, a blue and white 2002 Yamaha powerboat bearing registration and found damage to the underside of the fiberglass hull. There was a mix of old and new scratches (evident by discoloration and sharpness of their edges). The vessel was in compliance with all safety and registration requirements. The operator nor the passenger claimed to have been drinking alcohol that day and no signs of impairment were apparent. I obtained statements from both parties and photos of the vessel (see attachments).
  
  In summary, the operator claimed he had left the boat ramp initially around 1840 hours to head upriver. On his way back to the boat ramp at 2055hrs, his vessel struck an unknown object while traveling approx. 45mph. The vessel went airborne for a brief period and when the vessel came to rest, Operator was able to see the floating dock in the water. It was apparently anchored approximately 100-150yds from the shoreline of Lock 26 of the C&O Canal, aka Rileys Lock. It appeared to be about 6 inches out of the water (see photos). Operator took photos and brought his vehicle back to the boat ramp and onto his trailer, at which time he noticed some damage to the hull. At that time, he notified NRP dispatch at 2127 hours. It should be noted that the vessel has a fiberglass hull and inboard motor and jet propulsion, which requires very little draught, especially at speed and on plane. Also, at this time, the river level is seasonally low (less than 2ft in some areas). There is also an abundance of subaquatic grass, which limits vessel operation at lower speeds. The operator claimed that had he been traveling any slower, his vessel would have become disabled due to ingestion of grass through the intake grates.
  
  The following day, I returned to the area and observed that the dock had shifted about 100yds further downriver compared to its observed position the day before. By coincidence, Operator was operating his vessel and returning to the ramp. He advised that he thinks the vessel might be taking in a small amount of water. He will have the vessel inspected at a marina to obtain an estimate of the damages.
  
  On 09/08, I spoke with a representative via telephone. She relayed my message to the business manager, who promptly returned my call. Subject1 was unaware that there had been an accident and confirmed the dock had been retrieved and brought back to their facility located on Seneca Creek. Subject1 explained the dock was set up on Saturday 09/03 and was used as a floating concert platform for a small band on Saturday and it was left out overnight to be retrieved on Sunday. Subject1 had not researched if he needed a permit for this activity. We agreed to meet in person to review more details.
  
  There was no obvious damage to the structure, which measured approximately 12’ by 20’. We located a point of impact on one of the corners, consistent with the photos provided by Operator. There was faint blue paint transfer and some scraping to the wood, but no significant damage to the structure.
  
  I advised that no charges would be filed at this time. I requested that he attempt to notify NRP prior to any similar events to ensure regulations will be followed and that if the dock is to be left on the water, to ensure it is securely anchored and appropriately marked to avoid any future accidents.
  
  Operator advised his damage estimate has exceeded $9,000, with additional damages expected.  I estimated the damage to property to be less than $200.
  
   All events occurred in Montgomery County, MD.
  