Operator #1 stated to the effect: I was exiting the poorly marked inlet of Nantuxent Creek in lowlight conditions when I struck what I thought was the channel marker and continued outbound.

Owner of Vessel #2 stated to the effect: My vessel was anchored and we were asleep. I was awoken when my vessel was struck by another vessel. Upon exiting the cabin, I saw a fishing trawler continuing outbound from the inlet and was unable to signal them to stop.

Investigation revealed: Operator #1 was heading southwest while exiting Nantuxent Creek located in Downe Township, Cumberland County, Vessel #2 was at anchor within close vicinity to the mouth of the inlet to Nantuxent Creek. Vessel #2 was moored and properly lit for anchorage. As a ·consequence of Operator #1 failing to keep a proper lookout, Vessel #1 struck Vessel #2 bead on causing severe damage to Vessel #2's Starboard Bow and minor damage to Vessel #1 's bow stem. Vessel #1 then continued outbound and departed the area. No injuries reported on Vessel #2.

Upon arrival, I spoke to the owner of Vessel #2 who provided all documentation. Vessel #2's owner also provided a sample of gray paint transfer which was found within the broken fiberglass of the collision site. Multiple pictures and videos of the incident were captured, but due to lowlight conditions at the time of the crash, were futile to aiding the investigation. The owner of Vessel #2 described the striking vessel as a gray fishing trawler. 

Sgt. 2 and I then entered Nantuxent Creek and began malting contact with workers on commercial fishing vessels in the area .. An exterior inspection of multiple vessels in the area for damage congruent with a vessel strike was met with negative results. Vessel #1 which matched the color pf the recovered paint chip, then returned to the dock and exhibited damage to the bow stem of the vessel congruent with striking a fiberglass vessel. When questioned, a crew member of Vessel# 1 stated to the effect that they had seen a sailboat in that area and came close to it, but did not hit it. The operator of the vessel was then identified and interviewed. Operator #1 stated that he had bit something in that area, but thought it was the channel marker and continued outbound. Operator #1 stated that he did not see Vessel# 2 and did not know that he had hit it. A manifest of Vessel #1 'screw was requested and provided by Operator #1. No injuries were reported to any crew members who were in the cabin at the time of the crash.
NANTUXENT CREEK
DOWNE TOWNSHIP                