On July 13, 2023, at approximately 1:30 P.M., I, Officer First Class, of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for service in reference to an individual who had been floating with a life jacket in the Chesapeake Bay near Thomas Point Lighthouse for a half hour. 

     As I began to make my response to the call, A/LT. of MD NRP, instructed me to respond to Thomas Point Park to try and observe the individual floating, and assist other officers. At approximately 1:45 pm, I was advised United States Coast Guard was able to retrieve SUBJECT from the water, at GPS coordinates (N 38.87376, W-076.43119) and later transport him to the USCG Station Annapolis, located at 3425 Thomas Point Rd., Annapolis, MD. 

     I then met with SUBJECT at USCG Station Annapolis. SUBJECT was questioned by Anne Arundel Fire Department about any injuries or trauma that may have been caused during the incident at which time SUBJECT stated that he was not injured and refused further medical treatment. 

     SUBJECT described the incident with Ofc., of MD NRP, and I stated that he had trailered his vessel, identified as a black, PWC, Sea-doo displaying current Maryland registration, and left from Discovery Village and went toward the area of Bloody Point Lighthouse, located at the southern point of Kent Island. 

SUBJECT continued stating that while in the area of Bloody Point, he observed a stick in the water and then hit a rock or something under the water. SUBJECT stopped the PWC, and attempted to reach underneath the bottom of his vessel, while still in the operator's seat, to attempt to feel for any damages. SUBJECT stated he was unable to feel or notice any damages to the PWC and continued his way back to Discovery Village. 

While on his way back, SUBJECT advised that he was operating at approximately 40 MPH, for 10 minutes when he noticed the PWC start smoking and taking on enough water forcing him to get off before it rolled over. SUBJECT was able to grab his bags and work phone from the vessel before he attempted swimming toward shore. After 30 minutes or more SUBJECT contacted 911 due to exhaustion of swimming less than a hundred yards from where he left his PWC. 

     After gathering the description and information about the accident, Ofc. provided SUBJECT with the number for TowBoat US to get their commercial assistance to tow the PWC out of the Chesapeake Bay to Discovery Village where it could be placed back on his trailer. I then transported SUBJECT from USCG Station Annapolis to Discovery Village.

     After arriving at Discovery Village we met with TowBoat US and the vessel in tow. SUBJECT was able to place the PWC on a trailer at approximately 4:00 PM when we observed a gash in the bottom of the haul, gushing water, underneath the operator seat measuring about 16” long and ½” wide. After further inspection of the vessel, it appeared that the gash was the only physical damage that occurred during the incident. SUBJECT stated it would be at least $2,000 to repair the damages and would need to have the motor checked for damages at a later time.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel and Queen Anne's Counties, Maryland.
This case is closed.

Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Brg-Cove 
Stevensville                  