On Tuesday June 13th, 2020 at approximately 2:07 pm, I (Corporal) received a call from Maryland Natural Resources Police dispatch of a vessel taking on water in the Chesapeake Bay. I plotted coordinates to the given location and arrived on scene at approximately 2:24 pm.

When I arrived on scene, I observed a vessel sinking with only the upper superstructure out of the water and rapidly submerging. The two occupants of the sunken vessel had already been rescued and taken aboard the Research Vessel R/V Potawaugh still floating in the area. I retrieved the two occupants and placed them on my patrol vessel. By that time, the stricken vessel had completely sunk, leaving only about a foot of the starboard side sticking out of the water. I asked the male operator and owner what had happened that cause the boat to sink. Operator stated that the boat was underway on autopilot and cruising at 30+ knots. He was checking ahead periodically for obstacles but when he looked up the final time, the boat was on course to hit the red #76 buoy with no time to avoid a collision. The starboard bow of the boat struck the buoy while traveling around 30+ knots and placed at least a two foot hole in the front of the boat, according to Operator.

While en route with me back to the duty station at Solomon's Harbor, Operator contacted Tow Boat US to retrieve the sunken vessel. Also while returning to station, Operator's wife stated she would like to have her ankle evaluated by EMS due to a possible sprain stemming from the accident. When we arrived at the dock, Operator had been contacted from Tow Boat US and they said they would not re float the boat at this time. Tow Boat has informed Operator that weather permitting, they will attempt to retrieve the boat on Thursday, June 15th, or Friday, June 16th. Their reason was due to the boat currently sitting on the sea floor and want to wait to hear from Operator's insurance company before they proceed. Ambulance from Solomons Island evaluated and transported both to St. Mary's Medstar hospital in St. Mary's County. Operator for a cut on the knee, and occupant a possible sprained ankle.

The boat is a 2022 Beneteau Antares 11 Fly Bridge, 32'-6" in length and is believed to be a total loss, valued at close to $500,000.00.
Coast Guard documentation 1329863 and named NOMAD.
Insurance through Chubb Insurance. 

This case is closed.
All events occurred in Calvert County, Maryland.
Chesapeake Bay
Lusby                         