On November 9, 2023 at approximately 1803 hours I, Cpl. of the Maryland Natural Resources Police along with Officer First Class responded to the area of Middle River and Norman Creek for a report of a two vessel boat accident. We arrived on-scene at approximately 1810 hours. Sea Tow was already on location with the vessels. Sea tow advised there were no injuries and believed fire could cancel. Upon our arrival I boarded a twenty-one-foot Sea Ray and began to investigate what happened. I asked if everyone was okay. Everyone said that they okay and did not need any medical treatment. I first identified the operator of the Sea Ray. 

On the boat with Operator1 was one person. They advised they were on their way to dinner coming out of Middle River towards Wilson Point when the vessel struck their forward port side. Both vessels immediately came to a stop. They said they did not see the boat until the last second. During my conversation with the operator of the Sea Ray I did not detect any odor of alcohol nor did I see any slurred speech or glassy eyes. I asked him if he was willing to submit to a check of his eyes for impairment to which he said yes. No clues were detected on HGN. V1 occupant was willing to write a witness statement which is attached to this report. The majority of the damage to the Sea Ray appeared to be the bow rail and some fiberglass damage to the sides of the hull. The Sea Tow operator estimated to total damage to the Sea Ray to be around $1,500.00 to $2,000.00.  The vessel was not insured. 

     I then started to interview operator2 was operating a Carolina Skiff and was on his way home from fishing in Frog Mortar Creek/Strawberry Point. Operator2 stated that he was cruising around 15 to 20 knots heading home into Norman Creek when his vessel collided with the other boat. Operator2 stated that he did not see the boat. I then boarded Operator2's boat and inspected his required safety equipment. During my conversation with him, I did not detect any odor of alcohol nor did I see any slurred speech or glassy eyes. I saw no other evidence of alcohol use IE. empty cans or bottles. I inspected the damage to the skiff and saw blue paint transfer on the starboard side of the hull and additional damage to the t-top and bow rail. Pictures of the damage are attached to the report. Operator2 stated that the vessel was not insured. He estimated the damage to be around $5,000.00 which he would be willing to fix himself. 

     Both vessels were still operational and were able to make it back to shore without needing a tow service.

Midddle River-Norman Creek
Middle River                  