On 07/04/2023 at 10:15 pm, Corporal and I, (Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resource Police) received a call from Maryland Natural Resource Police dispatch stating that two subjects were in the water, clinging to a partially submerged vessel on the Potomac River in the area of Maryland Point.

 We responded north of the incident from Smallwood State Park. While en route NRP Dispatch advised that both subject had been removed from the water and taken to Camp Merritt to be evaluated by EMS. We arrived at scene at 11:00 pm. Once on scene, I made contact with the victims who I later identified through their Driver's licenses. Operator1 identified himself as the owner and operator of the vessel. 

 Operator1 stated that he departed from his dock on 07/05/2023 around 7:15 pm. Operator1 stated he was operating his commercial vessel; a 25ft pioneer vessel bearing MD reg.

Operator1 stated he and Occupant left his dock to go to Aquia Creek (VA) to watch fireworks. He advised the fireworks started around 8:35 pm. Operator1 stated the fireworks lasted 35-40 minutes. , Operator1 said after the firework show ended he departed from Aquia Creek heading south back towards his dock. Operator1 said once he got out to the main stem of the Potomac River near Maryland Point (Green Spider Buoy "19"), he felt water on his feet and stopped the boat. 

Operator1 said he attempted to pump the vessel out using the hose from his power wash; however, the vessel was overtaken by waves crashing over the bow of the vessel. Operator1 stated that he and Occupant were rescued from the incident by a Tow Boat US operator. Once they were secure the Tow Boat operator take them to the dock at Camp Merritt. Once on land Operator1 and Occupant denied medical treatment. 

Operator1 stated he used the vessel to work his crab pots earlier that day and experience no issues. Operator1 advised to the best of his knowledge, no contributing incident occurred prior to his vessel capsizing. Operator1 stated that his vessel has a value of $10,000-$15,000.  

 On July 5th, 2023 at 5:23 pm, I made contact with Tow Boat US out of Cobb Island. Subject advised that his Captain rescued the subjects from the river the night on the incident. Subject advised that CAPT had just finished up a tow call in Nanjemoy when the incident was broadcasted by Nanjemoy Fire on the radio. Subject advised that CAPT is also a volunteer at the Nanjemoy Fire Department. Subject stated that CAPT was able to locate the vessel in distress because he saw the bow lights of the sinking vessel. CAPT saw the two subjects holding on to the sinking vessel. The two subjects were not wearing life jackets at the time. Subject advised that CAPT threw the subjects a life ring and was able to successfully secure both subjects on his vessel. CAPT then took the subjects to Camp Merritt to be assessed by medical.

The cause of the incident is unknown, and the vessel unfounded. 

On July 6th, 2023 at 5:25 pm, I made contact with Operator1 for additional information. Operator1 advised that on the night of the incident he may have struck a log on his return trip home after the firework show; however, he is uncertain. Operator1 advised that on July 5th, 2023 himself and Nanjemoy Fire Department attempted to locate the vessel using side scan sonar but was unsuccessful. Operator1 advised that they did locate the vessel's gas can.

All events occurred in Charles County, Maryland
3650 Rick Hamilton Place
Nanjemoy                      