On August 26rd, 2023 at approximately 8:20 PM I, Officer of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a report that a vessel collided with rocks by red buoy #6 near the Port Tobacco Flats on the Potomac River between Blossum Point and Windmill Point approaching the Port Tobacco River.

        Officer First Class and I, arrived on scene to Goose Bay Marina at approximately 9:30 PM. The information given stated all three persons on board were accounted for and being taken back Goose Bay Marina by a private vessel. I made contact with Towboat US operator who stated," the boat would be towed back to Goose Bay Marina if possible".

        I located the vessel that brought the persons back to the marina. It was a pontoon boat bearing Maryland registration.  Subject stated he brought the three people back to shore, and they had all left. Subject also stated that the boat owner was his cousin. I used the name provided to locate the possible vessel information through the LTD portal. I found a vessel matching the description of the vessel that collided with the rocks. This vessel information was confirmed when the vessel returned to Goose Bay Marina. The vessel was bearing Maryland registration (2004, Thunderbird Products, Formula, 28 foot).

         I called Owner and he stated himself along with two other passengers  departed Goose Bay Marina in his vessel at approximately 12:30 PM and headed to Nanjemoy Creek for a local raft up party. 

        Owner stated while in Nanjemoy Creek they water-skied, hung out and ate and had a few drinks. They departed Nanjemoy Creek at approximately 7:00 PM to return to Goose Bay Marina. Owner was operating the vessel around 3200 revolutions per minute (speedometer is not functioning) which was estimated to be approximately 30 miles per hour and asked Subject to take over, so he could use the restroom in the cabin below. 

I called Subject and this information was confirmed. Subject stated he took over vessel operations staying in the same direction. Subject stated he made a mistake in his location and went to the left of the red buoy 6 thinking he needed to red, right, return.

 Subject did not see the rocks which he stated were submerged and the vessels hull struck the rocks towards the stern since the vessel was on plane. The impact broke the starboard out drive from the transom, but the port engine kept the vessel in motion. Owner came up from the cabin and brought the throttles down to stop the vessel and assess the damage since he did not see what happened. The vessel began taking on water at this time once forward momentum was stopped.

        The pontoon boat took all the passengers aboard and began towing the vessel. Two vessels from Towboat US took over towing the vessel utilizing three pumps to remove water from the vessel. Towboat US arrived back to Goose Bay Marina at approximately 12:30 AM on Sunday, August 27th. The vessel was lifted from the water by the Marina staff with their boat lift equipment. I took pictures of the vessel and the damage with my state issued phone. The starboard stern drive was knocked off the transom and only hanging on by the hydraulic lines. There was also hull damage in the stern of the vessel from hitting the rocks. 

The boat did take on water and capsize so there is potential electronics damage and other water damage. Owner stated the vessel will be a complete loss due to the damage and capsizing from taking on water. He has Erie insurance and does not have an estimate for damages at this time. Marina Staff estimated the vessels value before the accident was approximately $150,000.00.
        This is a reportable boat accident and watercraft accident report has been completed. The accident was property damage only with no injuries. 
        Subject was issued a written warning for failing to maintain a proper lookout which is Rule 5 of United States Coastguard Navigation Rules and Regulations.
        All events occurred in Charles County, Maryland.

Potomac R-Cobb Island-North-Na
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