On August 6, 2023, at 12:40 pm, I, Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, received a call for service in reference to a vessel taking on water in the area of the Chesapeake Bay near Thomas Point Lighthouse, located northeast of the South River, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

     After arriving on scene, I observed a vessel taking on water secured to the Thomas Point Lighthouse, later identified as a 21’7” Cobia displaying current Maryland vessel registration. After getting up to the lighthouse I was able to speak briefly with the operator of the vessel. OPERATOR1 advised that he rented the vessel from Carefree Boat Rentals, located at 2820 Solomon's Island Rd., Edgewater, Anne Arundel County, Maryland. OPERATOR1 further stated that all the passengers were on the dock of the Lighthouse and not injured. Due to the weather conditions and rough seas, I advised OPERATOR1 and his passengers to stay on the dock until a vessel could remove them and transport them back to shore. 

     At approximately 1:40 pm Carefree Boat Rentals arrived. After observing the vessel he advised that TowBoatUS was going to tow the vessel back to the Carefree Boat Club located at the, Oak Grove Marina. After TowBoatUS removed the vessel, subject picked up all the passengers and gear from the lighthouse dock and transported them back to the marina.

     Once back at the marina, I interviewed OPERATOR1 about the incident. OPERATOR1 advised that he had left from Carefree Boat Rentals about 10:30 am and headed to the Thomas Point Lighthouse where they started fishing. While fishing in the area of the lighthouse, they observed water coming in the starboard stern of the vessel. OPERATOR1 stated that he was not anchored (only drifting), OPERATOR1 indicated the bilge pump was in the “ON” position, and he attempted to manually control the switch, but it was not keeping up with the water flowing into the boat. It was at that time, he operated the boat to the lighthouse, secured it and got all the passengers and personal gear off the vessel, and contacted Carefree Boat Rental about the issue. OPERATOR1 advised that he did not hit anything in the water or while he was operating.

     On August 10, 2023, Carefree Boat Club advised that the estimated damage to the vessel is $6,800.

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
This case is closed.

Ches Bay & Tribs-Bay Brg-Cove 
Annapolis                     