On July 7, 2023, at 1530 hours I Officer responded to Island Watersports located at 39084 Harpoon RD, Fenwick, DE, in reference to a vessel accident that occurred during a guided PWC tour given by RT54 Watersports. Upon arrival, I made contact with all the subjects involved and determined that no one was in need of any medical attention.  The first subject I spoke with was the guide who stated the following.  

    Subject stated that on July 7, 2023, at 1500 hours he began to monitor a guided jet ski tour (two jet skis in total) for RT54 Watersports.  The riding area for this tour is the western portion of the Assawomen Bay.  Subject stated he observed a rider later traveling south passing a subject identified as Operator2.  Subject stated that when Operator1 passed Operator2 she went approximately 200 yards past Operator2 and then began a 180-degree turn.  

This caused Operator2 and Operator1 to now be on a reciprocal course.  Subject stated that both riders were on this course at speed.  Subject stated that neither subject attempted to make an evasive maneuver until it was too late.  Subject stated that this caused the jets skis to collide.  Subject stated that he responded to the area of the collision and made sure that no one was injured.  However, Subject observed damage to both jet skis, with one of the jet skis with extensive damage.  Subject then guided both back to the dock.  

    I then spoke with Operator2 who stated the following.  Operator2 stated that he was participating in a guided jet ski tour given by RT54 Watersports.  Operator2 stated that he was traveling on a southern direction when he observed Operator1 pass him.  Operator2 stated that he observed Operator1 turn around, Operator2 stated that now Operator1 was traveling directly at him.  Operator2 stated that he attempted to slow down and turn right however this action was not completed in time and the collision occurred.  I asked Operator2 about how fast he thought he was going, and Operator2 responded about 40 MPH.  Operator2 did make a statement that he suspected that the guide was not paying close enough attention to the group.  Also, Operator2 stated that in his statement that he had some knee discomfort, but did not require medical attention.   

    I then spoke to Operator1 who stated the following.  Operator1 stated that she was participating in a guided jet ski tour given by RT54 Watersports.  Operator1 stated that she was traveling south and was passing Operator2 and was traveling at approximately 40 MPH.  Operator1 stated that she felt she had enough room to turn around and head back the other direction.  Operator1 stated that when she turned around she observed that she was heading directly for Operator2.  Operator1 stated that she attempted to take evasive action to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful.  

    Written statements and photographs were taken and uploaded to this incident.

    It should be noted that Operator1 and Operator2 are juveniles, and they denied medical attention on shore with their parents present.  

    The jet ski that Operator1 was operating was a 2023 Yamaha TR1 Delaware registration, this jet ski had extensive fiberglass damage.  It as estimated to be a total loss of over $10000.00.  This was estimated by the owner of RT54 Watersports.  The jet ski that Operator2 was operating was a 2023 Yamaha TR1 Delaware registration.  This jet ski was estimated to have $600 of damage due some fiberglass damage and rub rail damage.  Both jets ski were removed by the owner.  

    The cause for this collision by both parties were failure to reduce to 6 knots within 100 yards, and several navigational rules violations.  This coupled with operator inexpedience of both parties are the contributing factors to this collision.  Both Operator2 and Operator1 were provided with written warnings for various charges.  

    All above events occurred in Worcester County, Maryland.

Assawaman Bay, Ocean City
Ocean City                    