On 7/29/2023 at approximately 03:00 PM, I, Corporal with the Maryland Natural Resource Police received a call from Maryland Natural Resource Police dispatch for a boat accident on Deep Creek Lake. Dispatch advised that a boat had been returned to Lake Life Boat Rentals with substantial damage. I arrived on the scene at approximately 03:20 PM. There I met with Lake Life staff to investigate the damages to vessel. There was damage to the port side pontoon, port side rub rail, lower unit, and propeller(attached). The operator of the vessel was identified by his state-issued driver's license. 

Subject stated that he was operating the vessel in the area of Deep Creek Lake State Park. He thought he was far enough away from shore and turned the vessel off. With the high winds, the vessel drifted towards the swim area of the park. Subject was unable to get the vessel started. The vessel drifted into the rocks on the shore of the state park. Subject said that someone in the park assisted him in getting the vessel started. Members of his party confirmed the incident and attempted to fend the vessel off the shore to no success. Subject also stated he called Lake Life Rentals for assistance. Staff arrived after the vessel had been removed from the shore and was back underway. The vessel then returned to Lake Life Boat Rentals.

My investigation showed the vessel's engine and throttle were in proper working order. The contributing factors to the vessel's accident were heavy wind in excess of 15 miles per hour and operator inexperience/ inattentiveness. No injuries were reported. No charges were filed. I received an estimate on damages from Deep Creek Marina (attached). The total cost of repairs is $15,326.46. All events occurred in Garrett County, Maryland.

Deep Creek Lake
Swanton                       