On Sunday, June 18th, at 1534 hours, I, OFC of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, responded to a reported vessel accident that occurred at the mouth of Spa Creek and the Severn River. When I arrived on the scene, I met with the operator and the occupants of the vessel that was struck by an orange SeaDoo.

            The vessel that the above occupants were in was a 2004 17' Boston Whaler Montauk, registration, owned by an occupant at the time of the accident. Subject1's daughter was able to capture pictures of the striking vessel, a 2017 orange SeaDoo, registration. As explained by the above occupants of the damaged vessel, they were inside the Spa Creek speed zone going at or under 6 knots, when they observed an orange SeaDoo being operated in a negligent manner, and attempting to jump the wake of other vessels in the speed zone. They estimated that the SeaDoo was going at least 20 mph. 

The SeaDoo was headed in a southerly direction across the speed zone subsequently headed directly toward Subject1's starboard side of his vessel, being operated by his daughter, who has a valid boater safety certificate and numerous years of boating experience. The occupants of the Boston Whaler began yelling and waving to get the attention of Operator2, when Operator1, with a last ditch effort to avoid collision, took a sharp left turn in hopes of avoiding the approaching SeaDoo. Operator2 made contact with the starboard transom of the Boston Whaler, causing Operator2 to turn to his starboard side, while the port side of his SeaDoo made contact with the Boston whaler. After the incident when I met with Subject1 and the other occupants, I observed damaged to the rub rail, and a minor scratch on the motor of the Boston whaler. There were no personal injuries reported. 

            Operator1 further explained that as Operator2 slowed down, he stated, "I'm fine," as they were attempting to address the collision and exchange information. Operator2 provided his name, phone number, and the company that he owns and operates. Subject1 explained that Operator2 immediately, stated, "I had water in my eye" and that Operator2 also explained that he could fix the damage, even though he felt there was not much damage.  

They explained that they were going to be contacting MD NRP, and Operator2 stated that he was going to go catch up with his wife, who was on another orange SeaDoo ahead of him, and come back, but he never returned. After gathering this information, I contacted our dispatch to notify NRP units in Kent County, Rock Hall, to be on the lookout (BOLO) for an orange SeaDoo with New Jersey registration. Not long after, I received notification from OFC., who patrols the Rock Hall area, he explained that prior to any notification of the BOLO, he made a stop on the above 2017 orange SeaDoo, operated by Operator2 near the local public boat ramp. They issued Operator2 a warning for exceeding 6mph in the Rock Hall Harbor speed zone, and a warning for use of vessel with expired registration. By the time this information was provided, Operator2 had pulled his vessel from the boat ramp and presumably was in route back to his residence.

            OFC. and OFC. responded to Operator2's residence. They made contact with Operator2 and he stated that he was operating the SeaDoo and was involved in a collision in Annapolis. I had OFC. place me on speakerphone to address the situation. Operator2 stated that he was not going fast in the speed zone, but did admit fault to the collision, stating, "I can fix the damages, no problem." He explained that he provided his information and assumed Subject1 would reach out to address the situation further and how things will be fixed. 

Operator2 explained that he was outside the speed zone and was not going fast at the time of the collision and if anything the Boston whaler was going too fast in the speed zone. He told OFC. that he was taking both SeaDoos on a sea trial with his wife, after doing work on them for his business. 

After discussing the entire situation with both Subject1 and Operator2, Subject1 felt that having Operator2 charged with numerous violations would do nothing, and that all he wanted was for Operator2 to understand that he could've injured or killed somebody on his boat, and he does not want something like this to happen again to another family trying to enjoy time on the water. Subject1 requested that we issue warnings, as he felt court proceedings and fines will do nothing. I issued Operator2 the following Maryland Natural Resources warnings:
                Speeding in the Spa Creek speed zone
                Operating a PWC in excess of 6 knots w/in another vessel
                Operating a PWC in a negligent manner endangering life and property
                Failure to obtain a boaters safety certificate
             After further discussion with Operator2 and Subject1, they both agreed to work it out to get the repairs completed, as it was initially thought that damage estimate was under $2,000. On July 4, 2023, I received a text message, in the evening, from Operator1, that they received a damage estimate back from Zam Marine, located at 748 Warren Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401. 

The estimate was totaled at $6,675.00. The estimate and the photos taken by Zam Marine are attached to this report. When I returned from vacation, on July 10, 2023, I made contact with Subject1 and provided him with the report number and the next steps. I also contacted Operator2 to further obtain insurance information. His estimated damage to the SeaDoo was approximately $500, which he intends to repair himself. Operator2 will be providing me with that information in the next few days. His liability insurance is through his business. Subject1's insurance on the 17' Boston Whaler was through Geico. As of today, July 14, 2023, I am still waiting to receive the insurance information from Operator2. Operator2 stated that his business counterpart is currently on vacation, and he will get the information when he returns from vacation, to forward to me. I explained to both parties that once this report is completed that it is a civil matter involving their insurance companies. A vessel accident report was completed and attached to this report as it exceeds the $2,000 damage minimum.
All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.
This case is closed.

Severn River-Main Stem
Annapolis                     