On September 30th, 2023, at approximately 11:50 a.m., I, Ofc. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) received a call from NRP dispatch informing me to contact Ofc. of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. He told me of a boating accident that occurred earlier that morning on the Potomac River around 3:30 a.m. 

Ofc. provided details that despite his initial investigation, which he conducted within Virginia's jurisdiction, the boating accident did happen on Maryland waters. Ultimately, this falls under NRP's authority and jurisdiction.

According to Ofc., he questioned the vessel's operator, Operator1, and specified that Operator1 did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Operator1 shared with Ofc. that while traveling north on the Potomac River at approximately 10 knots, adjacent to Popes Creek (38.1964318 -76.9072631), he and four passengers struck a gill net that was unnoticeable and submerged. Operator1 further stated that the gill net became entangled in his boat motor. After that, he and the passengers moved to the back of the boat and tried to untangle the gill net from the motor.

Due to the weight of the passengers at the rear of the boat, high winds, and high tides, the boat started taking waves over the stern. As a result, the boat capsized, which damaged the T-top of the boat.

Operator1 stated that due to shallow waters where the boat capsized, he and his passengers were able to walk safely to the Virginia shoreline and confirmed no injuries incurred.

Towboat US out of Cobb Island, MD, secured the boat and towed it back to Stepp's Harbor View Marina, located at 277 Harbor View Cir, Colonial Beach, VA 22443. Ofc. then completed a safety inspection, verified Operator1's had no violations, and took photographs of the vessel.

Operator1 identified the following five people as being on the boat:

Operator1 believes the estimated cost of damages to his vessel is $2500.

Consider this case closed unless additional information becomes available.

Potomac River @ Popes Creek
Cononial Beach, VA            