On 05/26/2023, at approximately 0800 AM, I, Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resource Police, was notified by DNR Communications of a reported boat accident that had occurred on 05/25/2023. The accident involved a thirty-seven-foot Blue Eagle Yacht Victory Tug that had struck a buoy on the port-side bow.

            At approximately 0940 AM, I met with two people who were aboard their vessel in Still Pond Creek. The vessel had struck the buoy on the port-side bow with enough force to break a hole in the hull and damage the surrounding area. I was not able to see the exterior damage as it was covered with taping, but Operator was able to provide me with a photo he had taken prior to covering the damage.

This was the most significant damage done to the vessel. There were also scuff marks on the hull of the vessel on the port side just above the waterline.   Operator advised they had left the Kent Narrows at approximately 10:40 AM, and traveled north at 7-8 knots with a destination of Still Pond Creek. The weather conditions on the water that day were 1-2 foot seas, and a north wind blowing at approximately 14mph. At approximately 0100 PM, Operator stated that they struck a red channel buoy. He was in the wheelhouse as the operator, and Occupant was down below in the cabin. Operator is not clear how he had struck the buoy, as he believed he had left enough clearance between him and it to pass without hindrance. Based on the vessel's speed and the time of the accident, it is possible the red buoy struck was either the #10 or #12 just prior to the Chesapeake Bay Tolchester Channel. At that time the vessel would have been past Swan Point, where they would be more exposed to the north wind as they were adjusting course. It is likely that when Operator adjusted his course he did not account for the increased wind speed and wave intensity, which would have been enough to push the vessel into the buoy.
            
            Neither Operator or Occupant were injured during the incident.

            Operator guessed that the cost to repair the vessel would probably be about $5000.

            No charges were issued.

            All events took place in Kent and Queen Anne Counties, Maryland.

            This case is closed.

Chester River-Kent Narrows-Nor
Stevensville                  