On 06/08/2023 at approximately 2:14 PM., I, Ofc. while on routine patrol was alerted by DNR Communications dispatch of a possible capsized sailboat. Reported location of vessel was near Buoy #8 in an area known as Puppy Hole/Tangier Sound. (GPS position: -37 58.004 N/075 55.550 W).   Upon arriving at the Crisfield Boat ramp I was met by good Samaritans, who assisted the victims out of the water and transported them back to the Crisfield Harbor.  They stated that the Princess Anne EMS unit transported the two subjects to the Tidal Health Hospital in Crisfield, both victims were hypothermic. They did not know the names of the victims.  

The Crisfield Fire Department Rescue Squad were able to re-right the vessel and safely tow it back to the Crisfield Marina boat ramp.  Myself, and Sgt. assisted the Fire department in securing the sailboat to the bulkhead at the boat ramp.  At that time I took several photos of the sailboat.   Sgt. recovered two waterproof bags which contained some personal items of the subjects, at which time I transported the items to the victims at the hospital. 

All events occurred in Somerset County.

On 06/09/23 I, Officer of the Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to TidalHealth McCready Hospital in Crisfield, MD to assist with a boat accident (with injury beyond first aid). I arrived at the hospital and was notified by a nurse that both patients were being treated for hypothermia.

 I made contact with the operator of the boat. Due to Operator's condition and medical treatment, he was not able to give a written statement. I asked Operator if he would tell me about the incident, and I would write down his statement on his behalf and he said yes. Operator stated the following: Operator was onboard a 16 ft sailboat with his friend. Owner and Operator left Smith Island and were making their way to Crisfield, MD with another sailboat in their party that was already ahead of them, they were both wearing life jackets and were approaching Janes Island Light, Operator and Owner noticed the weather conditions were bad, wind was coming out of the West direction, wind was reaching speeds up to 20 knots, Operator advised they should put on their foul weather gear, the vessel capsized on the portside, while in the water they attempted to upright the vessel, but were not able to upright the boat, Operator thought that there was something preventing the vessel from rolling, Owner and Operator sat on the keel trying to seek help, a good Samaritan spotted them and took them to Crisfield, MD, and they were transported to the hospital by local EMS. Operator stated that they were in the water for approximately 45 minutes.

 I made contact with the owner/passenger on the boat. Due to Owner's condition and medical treatment, she was not able to give a written statement. I asked Owner if she would tell me about the incident and I would write down her statement on her behalf and she said yes. Owner stated the following: they were returning to Crisfield, MD from Smith Island, they checked the weather prior to leaving and did not see a storm coming, near Janes Island Light the weather conditions were bad, they attempted to put on their foul weather gear and the vessel capsized. Owner stated the visibility was very poor due to the smoke/haze like effect from the Canada fire. Owner did not have any other injuries. I notified Owner that her vessel was towed to Crisfield, MD and some of their belongings were still in the boat. Owner believed she may have lost the vessel's insurance paperwork and passport during the incident. I notified her that the mast was broken in three places, and she could collect her boat at Somers Cove Marina. 

 All events occurred in Somerset County, MD.

Tangier Sound-Crisfield
Crisfield                     