Boater charged with operating while impaired

SMITH ISLAND, Md. – (AP) Maryland Natural Resources Police have charged a boat operator who transports children from Smith Island to Crisfield for school with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.

Forty-nine-year-old Alan Tyler of Smith Island is also charged with negligent operation of a vessel.

NRP spokesman Sgt. Art Windemuth says the Coast Guard conducted a law enforcement boarding of the 60-foot passenger vessel Wednesday when it was transporting five children from Crisfield to Smith Island. Windemuth says Tyler tested positive for use of alcohol and was held until a NRP officer arrived. The officer took the children home.

Windemuth says the Coast Guard temporarily suspended Tyler's license.