Our family experienced a devastating loss on a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, when our daughter Hannah Marie Ash tragically died in a horrific boating accident at the tender age of 23.  It is our hope that by sharing Hannah’s story, we may educate boaters and help them avoid similar catastrophic events.  

 Hannah’s story began with her passion for water and boating.  She obtained her boater’s license at age 14 and had years of experience piloting our 21-foot Bayliner Capri on the Saint Lawrence River, in the Thousand Islands Region. After Hannah graduated from college and secured a new job as Membership and Marketing Director at Talbot Country Club in Easton, Maryland, she moved to Kent Island on the Chesapeake. Thrilled to be on another body of water, she convinced her boyfriend to jointly purchase a 17-foot open-bow Sea Ray, which they enjoyed all summer and created many fond memories.  

 On September 5th, 2020, Hannah, her boyfriend, and two close friends set out for an excursion on the Corsica River to Conquest Beach, where boaters frequently anchor. They were enjoying the ride home after a wonderful day of boating on calm waters and were unaware that the previous night’s full moon had caused extreme shifts in the tide. Hannah was standing just inside the open glass windshield when the boat unexpectedly hit a shoal/sandbar. The sudden impact threw Hannah off the front of the bow and into the water. It happened so quickly that there was no time to prevent the boat from running her over. Hannah was life-flighted to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and later succumbed from head trauma and severe internal injuries.  

Through this catastrophic loss of our beloved daughter, we learned how critical it is to be cognizant of the tide and the dangers of open-bow boats. This safety campaign is intended to remind boaters of the rapid pace at which water currents and tides change on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Drivers need to proactively prepare for any excursion, including reviewing their pre-trip checklist prior to departure. All passengers should relocate to the stern of a boat when setting out and remain seated while underway.  Hannah was a vibrant young woman who had an incredible zest for life. She embodied a strong work ethic and was loved by many. We were and continue to be absolutely devastated by her untimely death on that September day, knowing that she had so much life to live. We implore all boaters to take the necessary safety measures before and during your trip, as your and others’ lives depend on it. We hope these safety tips will help all boaters navigate waterways so that each excursion ends with wonderful memories. Please be safe!