On Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at approximately 6:15 pm, Dorchester County Fire Dispatched a possible boat fire at Franklin St Boat Ramp. I, Officer First Class with the Maryland Natural Resources Police, arrived shortly after the original call and observed a dark-colored sailboat aground and pushed against the western side of the bulkhead of the boat ramp. All occupants of the sailboat were on shore upon my arrival. The fire department observed smoke emanating from the cabin area of the sailboat and used their equipment to prevent it from turning into a fire. I spoke with the passengers of the sailboat and confirmed that they were ok and did not need medical attention. 

As I obtained the required information to complete the Accident Report, Subject described the events of the accident as the following. He advised me that they turned around and headed towards the dock after checking the weather. They were headed to Cambridge Creek. They made it past the Cambridge Yacht Basin near the mouth of the creek when the weather overpowered the maneuverability of the vessel. 

The vessel was pushed by the wind towards the shoreline East of Cambridge Creek and West of the boat ramp. The vessel ran aground approximately 50 yards west of the bulkhead of the ramp. The wind continued to push the vessel towards the bulkhead until it collided with the bulkhead. 

The vessel was leaning on its port (left side) with the Keel of the vessel broken off. The main sail was down with the front sail (Jib) still up. The damage to the bulkhead appeared to be only superficial. There was water inside the hull of the vessel from holes created by the collision with the shore.

Subject stated there were approximately 10 gallons of diesel left out of an 18-gallon tank. There was no visible sheen at the time of the accident. 

Pictures of the vessel have been added to the report. 

All events occurred in Dorchester County, Maryland.

Choptank River-Main Stem-N Rt 
Cambridge                     