Hit-and-run Chesapeake Bay boater wanted by police
Natural Resources Police are looking for the operator of a 21-foot powerboat involved in a hit-and-run accident that injured a Virginia man on Saturday afternoon near Thomas Point on the Chesapeake Bay.
Mark Gentile, 55, of Alexandria, Va., was run over after he jumped off his sailboat anchored between Fishing Creek and South River about 2:30 p.m. to retrieve a minnow pot. Gentile attempted to avoid the collision by diving below the surface but the boat struck both of his legs.
The injured sailor was able to swim back to his boat and used a line to keep himself afloat while a passenger called 911 for help.
Gentile slipped below the surface as NRP and Coast Guard arrived and an NRP officer and a member of the Coast Guard jumped into the water to rescue him.
A Coast Guard boat brought Gentile ashore as members of the Anne Arundel County Emergency Medical Services treated him. He was airlifted from the Annapolis Coast Guard station to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment.
The hit-and-run boat has been described as a 21-foot vessel manufactured by Donzi, white and champagne in color. The driver and passenger were described as a white male and a white female, between 30 and 40 years old.
If you have information about the boat or witnessed the accident call NRP Communication Center at 410-260-8888 or toll free at 800-628-9944 and ask for Ofc. Murray Hunt.
Comments
Lets be clear. On the side of the boat is said in giant letters, DONZI. Who ever it was who started using the expression, donzi like is not helping.
Posted by: matthew gentile | June 7, 2010 1:58 PM
Matthew:
Please accept my wishes for a speedy recovery by your family member.
The (bad) information about the boat came from the police press release. Here is the paragraph that everyone is quoting from:
"NRP is investigating the boating accident. The striking vessel is described as a 21 foot Donzi type vessel, white and champagne in color. The vessel was occupied by a white male and white female, 30-40 years of age. NRP is requesting anyone who has information regarding the identity of the vessel or witnessed the accident call NRP Communication Center at 410-260-8888 or toll free at 800-628-9944 and ask for Ofc. Murray Hunt."
I'm sure that's not much comfort, however, I did edit our entry to indicate that the boat being sought IS a Donzi, not similar to the style manufactured by Donzi.
Posted by: candy | June 7, 2010 3:40 PM