On October 1, 2023, at about 1200 hours, I, Officer, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to Canal Drive, Elkton, MD 21921, for the report of a boating accident. I was advised by DNR communications and allied agencies that 2 individuals were rescued from the C&D Canal, but their vessel, a 2007 26ft Baja, had sunk. I arrived at the scene and made contact with Cecil Fire & EMS and Cecil County Sheriffs Office. 

Operator suffered minor injuries during the accident. While talking to Operator, he was found to be the operator of the vessel. He consented to an SFST HGN test and did not show any signs of impairment. His wife, Occupant suffered more severe injuries and may have a broken leg. Both subjects were transported to Union Hospital in Elkton, MD, by ambulance for further evaluation. It should be noted that while I was on scene, Operator was carrying a Glock pistol. During investigation the pistol was found to be legal, and he did have a concealed carry permit. Operator was not permitted to take the pistol in the ambulance or the hospital due to county policy. We were unable to locate someone we could relinquish the pistol too. CCSO took possession of the pistol for safekeeping and Operator can receive it once he is released from the hospital. (CCSO Report 23-1688)

    I made contact with Operator and Occupant at Union hospital where I gathered their statements. Occupant advised Operator was operating the vessel at 40 to 50 mph heading East in the C&D Canal when they hit a large vessel wake. Occupant advised that she remembers hitting the wake and Operator leaning over away from the helm. 

She stated the next thing she could remember was that she was in the water swimming to the surface. Operator's statement was similar to Occupant's and did not show any discrepancies. (Refer to attachments for statements)  I spoke to Towboat US, Chesapeake City Tour Guide Captains, numerous residents along the Canal and no one witnessed the accident. The good Samaritans who rescued them, left the scene prior to my arrival and Cecil Fire & EMS did not gather their information. 

    The vessel was located by Tow Boat US, NRP and the US Army Core of Engineers. The vessel was found in 41 foot of water and at the following GPS coordinates N 39°31.876', W 075° 50.366'. Operator advised the boat is insured with Nationwide insurance. On October 2 through October 3, 2023, the US Army Core of Engineers and Tow Boat US removed the vessel from canal. (refer to attachments for pictures)

    I located one eyewitness who will be completing a statement later this week. It is believed that the vessel sank to due to hitting wake at the wrong angle and the vessel landing on its stern/ side. 

All events occurred in Cecil County, MD.
Hs14-C and D Canal Chesapeake 
Chesapeake City               