On 10/15/2023 at approximately 1922 hours I, Corporal of the Maryland Natural Resources Police along with Officer First responded to a "Mayday" call for help on the VHF channel 16 radio in the area of Fort Howard, Baltimore County. The US Coast Guard and Baltimore County Fire Department also responded to the area to attempt to locate the vessel in distress. After some time searching the area we spotted the vessel shining a flashlight at us. The vessel was tied to a dock in Old Road Bay. The vessel was identified as a 33 foot Rinker bearing Maryland registration. There were two occupants onboard.  Initially, we asked if everyone was okay and if anyone needed medical attention. There was a radio report of a possible injury to the female passenger. She said that she fell from her seat but did not require any medical treatment at the time. She refused any medical evaluation from Baltimore County. 

     I then identified the vessel owner/operator, he presented a valid driver's license. I asked Operator1 if he could explain what happened. He explained that they were driving along up on plane when he felt and heard the vessel hit something in the water. He could not say what he hit or exactly where. The best location I could derive from him was off of North Point. Operator1 showed no signs of impairment throughout the time I spoke with him. We visually inspected the vessel and could not see any major damage to the hull. The bilge did have some water inside. Operator1 attempted the take the boat back to McCluskey's Marina but said his steering was not functioning properly and decided he would feel better if they got a commercial tow service. Operator1 contacted a commercial tow service through his insurance. Ofc. and I then cleared the scene.

     On 10/16/2023 I responded to McCluskey's Marina to do some follow-up investigation on the vessel after it had been pulled out of the water. I visually inspected the vessel and could see damage to the port side hull of the vessel below the water line. There was also damage to the propeller and port side out-drive. This damage appears to be greater than $2,000.00 in repair which requires this incident to be reported as boat accident. Pictures of the damage are attached to the report. 

All events occurred in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Shallow Creek
Fort Howard                   