On July 3, 2023 at approximately 11:03 PM, I OFC. received a call for a vessel taking on water on the Potomac River near Ft. Washington Park. I was on land at Ft. Washington Park when I received the call. I attempted to use night vision to locate the vessel in distress. I was unable to locate a vessel that looked in distress. I was able to observe 4 subjects walking out of the water at Ft. Washington Park in the area of the reported vessel. 

As I was making my way to National Harbor to get on our vessel, I made contact with PGCO Fire as they came in the Park. They advised one of the subjects advised them all 4 occupants were able to swim to shore at Ft. Washington Park. 

I attempted to locate where I saw the 4 subjects earlier with negative results. I received information from DNR that PGCO Fire made contact with the subjects and were making their way back to the parking lot. I made contact with all 4 subjects and PGCO Fire at 11:33 PM. 

All subjects reported no injuries at time of contact. I was able to identify the vessel owner. He advised they were fishing while anchored, as they pulled the anchor the vessel shifted due to the wind. Subject attempted to lower the motor which would not trim down. At that point they began taking water over the stern of the vessel. 

He attempted to lower and start a back-up motor with no luck. Within about 3 minutes the vessel began to sink. All persons on board attempted to grab PFDs and abandon the vessel. Only 1 subject was able to get a PFD on, the other 3 subjects were able to get on to 2 Yeti Coolers and swim to shore. PGCO Fire units on the water were unable to locate the vessel with sonar before clearing the scene. Possible GPS coordinates of last known are N 38.717923-W 077.033150. USCG was advised of the possible location and provided GPS coordinates for a notice to mariners. PGCO Fire units were able to provide transportation for the subjects back to their vehicles which were located at Ft. Washington Marina. I was able to follow them back and obtain witness statements which have been attached to this report.

All events occurred in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

DC fire boat was able to locate the sunken vessel with sonar on July 7th, GPS coordinates N 38.71795, W 77.03347 in 56 feet of water near the mouth of Swan Creek. Subject has been informed that the vessel has been located. He was advised that he needs to contact a salvage company about recovery of the vessel.

Potomac River-Swan Creek Ft Wa
Ft. Washington                