Maryland Lawmaker Admits to Drinking Before Boating Accident

Maryland State Delegate Donald H. Dwyer Jr. has admitted to drinking alcohol before operating a motorboat involved in an Aug. 22 collision on the Magothy River. Four adults and five children were injured in the recreational boating accident, which sent Dwyer and five others to the hospital. The most seriously injured victim was a 5-year-old girl who suffered a skull fracture.

According to media reports, Dwyer was operating a 26-foot Baja motorboat that collided head-on with an 18-foot Bayliner. Dwyer and one other adult were aboard his motorboat, and the Bayliner was carrying five children and two adults. One witness told 911 operators that Dwyer’s boat seemed like it was “flying” at full throttle.

The day after the accident, Dwyer told reporters: “It is true that I was drinking while operating my boat yesterday. It has also been reported that my blood alcohol content was .2.” That level is 2.5 times Maryland’s legal limit of .08.

Victims of drunk boating may be entitled to compensation for their injuries or loss of loved ones. If a drunk boater injured you or killed your family member, visit our website for more information about drunk boating accidents, and call us toll free at (800) 392-6072 to discuss your case with an experienced Boston maritime attorney.

Latti & Anderson LLP – Boston maritime trial lawyers