RedactedNarrative: On July 18, 2015 at approximately 1115 hrs, the writer was dispatched to Isle Wight Bay near the entrance to the Ocean Pines Yacht club in reference to a boat accident. 
  
  Upon arrival writer met with operator who advised that he had been operating his vessel a 2004 Bentley pontoon boat. He was entering the speed zone area just outside the entrance into the Ocean Pines Yacht Club when he struck the #2 Channel marker. This particular marker is a day marker situated on a pole in the water. He struck the pole almost dead center with the bow of the vessel. The impact snapped off the pole below the ground level of the bottom. He and his crew towed the pole and marker to a nearby marsh and tied it off so that it would not float away. No one was injured in the accident. There was a small amount of damage to the bow of the vessel which Operator estimated to be less than $1000. However, replacement of the pole and marker will substantially more. 
  
  When asked when he first saw the pole, Operator replied, "after I hit it, I just wasn't paying attention". 
  
  Writer contacted the Ocean Pines Public works department and advised them of the accident and location of the marker. 
  
  Operator was charged with violation of NR 8-704 08.18.01.04 Rules of the road-Rule 5- Failure to maintain a proper look-out. Trial date of 9-11-15 at the District Court in Snow Hill, MD. Operator can elect to pay the preset fine of $85..
   