RedactedNarrative: On August 19, 2021 at approximately 1733 hours officers responded to 10358 New Quay Rd in reference to a vessel collision that occurred in Isle of Wight Bay near green buoy number 5.  Officers were advised that after the collision both vessels were making their way back.  Upon arrival I observed the following:
      I observed a 2003 Sea Craft center console powered by a single 225 H.P Suzuki outboard Maryland registration 5055CA.  This vessel was being operated by OPERATOR 1.  I observed this vessel had significant fiberglass and structural damage to the bow just off to the starboard side that was a result of the reported collision.  I observed the second vessel which was a 2007 Carolina Skiff DLV powered by a single 115 H.P. Suzuki outboard Maryland registration 5391CA.  This vessel was being operated by OPERATOR 2.  I observed this vessel to have extensive damage; the T-Top metal pipes were pinched on the starboard side of the vessel.  The plastic windshield was cracked and dislodged from the T-Top frame.  I observed that throttle handle was also dislodged from the stem.  I observed the Carolina Skiff to have extensive fiberglass damage to the starboard side and paint damage.  The fiberglass was damaged so extensively it caused a puncture below the waterline, causing the vessel to be taking on water.  I further observed blood droplets in the area of the entire console of the vessel caused by the injury that OPERATOR 2 sustained as a result of the collision.  Also in the stern of the Carolina Skiff were some scattered Miller Light Beer cans, as well the remains of a 12 case of Miller Light Beers.
      The Sea Craft was being operated by OPERATOR 1, and had a passenger identified as PASSENGER 1.  PASSENGER 1 was seated in the bow of the vessel on a large bean bag style chair when the collision occurred.  The Carolina Skiff was being operated by OPERATOR 2 and had a passenger identified as PASSENGER 2.  PASSENGER 2 was standing next to OPERATOR 2 on the port side of the vessel at the time of collision.  None of the subjects were wearing life jackets at the time of the collision, however both vessel were equipped with life jackets.
      At the time of my arrival PASSENGER 1 and OPERATOR 2 were being treated by Ocean City EMS, and being transported to local hospitals, so the only two subject remaining were OPERATOR 1 and PASSENGER 2.  I interviewed OPERATOR 1 first who stated the following.
      OPERATOR 1 stated that he was traveling south in the Isle of Wight Bay, with the channel referred to as the Thorofare.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he was on the far west portion of the channel which would be the correct position for a vessel heading south in the channel.  OPERATOR 1 stated just after passing green buoy #5 he observed a vessel heading north also on the west side of the channel, OPERATOR 1 stated that the vessel came into view no more then 200 yards in front of him.  OPERATOR 1 stated that he placed the vessel in a position to pass the oncoming vessel in a port to port fashion.  OPERATOR 1 stated the oncoming vessel went to port as well causing another head on situation.  OPERATOR 1 stated at this point he could not maneuver his vessel to any further to starboard, because he was about to be in the marsh.  Due to this OPERATOR 1 stated he maneuvered his vessel to the east causing a crossing situation, and OPERATOR 1 stated that the other vessel mirrored this maneuver again causing a head on situation.   OPERATOR 1 stated that he attempted to maneuver back to the west again with an attempt to cause a port to port passing.  However this maneuver was not done in time and but the vessels on an impending collision course.  OPERATOR 1 maintained speed until the moment just prior to the collision, and just prior to the collision he attempted to slow the vessel by putting it in reverse gear.  After the collision he observed that PASSENGER 1 and OPERATOR 2 were injured, and he followed OPERATOR 2 to get assistance.  While en-route OPERATOR 1 did contact 911.  OPERATOR 1 did complete a written statement in regard to this matter.  OPERATOR 1 was offered EMS and refused.
      I then interviewed PASSENGER 2. It should be noted that PASSENGER 2 was quite intoxicated at this time.  I asked PASSENGER 2 what happened and PASSENGER 2 stated they were heading up the thorofare, and the man hit us.  PASSENGER 2 could not elaborate on the position of the vessels or really any other details.  PASSENGER 2 stated that he was shook up and had been drinking and apologized for not being able to provide any further details.  I asked PASSENGER 2 on a scale from 1-10 one being sober and 10 being the most drunk he has been, where was he currently on that scale.  PASSENGER 2 responded a solid 7. I then asked on the same scale where was OPERATOR 2, due to there being some evidence of alcohol consumption on the Carolina Skiff.  PASSENGER 2 stated that OPERATOR 2 was a 3-4.  PASSENGER 2 completed a written statement as well.  PASSENGER 2 was also offered EMS and refused.
      I then responded to Atlantic General Hospital located at 9733 Healthway Drive to speak to OPERATOR 2. It should be noted that Officers responded to the hospital prior, and was able to obtain a written statement from OPERATOR 2.  OPERATOR 2 stated the following.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he was heading north in the Thorofare and observed a vessel heading south.  OPERATOR 2 stated that he was on the correct side of the channel.  OPERATOR 2 stated that vessel heading south ran into the port side of the boat.  I am noting the Carolina Skiff was struck on the starboard side of the vessel.  OPERATOR 2 stated the other vessel just ran into them.  While speaking with OPERATOR 2 I was able to learn that he had received 10 stiches for the laceration he received in his head.  OPERATOR 2 had an MRI which came back stating that OPERATOR 2 did not have any head injuries, and OPERATOR 2 was going to be discharged.  I began to question OPERATOR 2 about any alcohol consumption, at which time OPERATOR 2 defaulted back to blaming the other vessel for the accident.  When speaking with OPERATOR 2 I was able to observe blood shot and glassy eyes.  As I followed OPERATOR 2 out of the hospital I observed that he would sway in what appeared to assist him with balancing.  Once outside and OPERATOR 2 removed his mask,  I was able to smell a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath and person.  I asked OPERATOR 2 to complete the battery of field sobriety test, however OPERATOR 2 refused.  I advised OPERATOR 2 that it was his right to refuse the test.  OPERATOR 2 still refused to comply with completing the field sobriety tests.  Based on the evidence to this point OPERATOR 2 was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.  OPERATOR 2 was read the NRP-482, and OPERATOR 2 refused any breathalyzer tests.  OPERATOR 2 was released to the care and custody of his mother, after the issuance of several citations.  It should be noted that the injuries to PASSENGER 1 were described as serious but non life threatening, so officers could not utilize the blood kit on OPERATOR 2  I made contact with Worcester County States Attorney investigator via E-Mail and provided him a subpoena for OPERATOR 2 medical records.  I received an E-Mail stating that he reviewed the subpoena and was going to serve it on Atlantic General Hospital.  At the time this report was written I have not received the results of the subpoena, once I do I will complete a supplemental report.  Other officer is also going to complete a supplemental report in regard to his interactions with OPERATOR 2 as well.  OPERATOR 2 did complete a written statement.  
  