On Saturday, June 10, 2023, I, (Officer First Class of the Maryland Natural Resources Police) responded to a call for a vessel fire on the Patuxent River near Sheridan Point. The Natural Resources Communications dispatcher informed me that a red vessel was on fire, and people were in the water.

I responded to the area just South of Sheridan Point when a boat flagged me down and pointed to a white and red vessel that was being towed by a jet ski toward Sheridan Point. The vessel displayed Maryland registration on a 1984 Four Winns cabin style motorboat, 21 feet in length. It was occupied by two people who were identified by their Drivers’ Licenses.

There was no fire or smoke coming from the vessel and when asked Operator stated that he had used his fire extinguisher to put out the fire. I asked if either one of them needed medical attention, at which point Operator stated that he had burned his legs while putting out the fire. He showed me his legs which had singed hair from the knee down and were noticeably red in certain areas. Operator stated that he was in some discomfort but was able to walk around his boat and did not appear to be in any noticeable distress. I relayed this information to dispatch and had them notify responding emergency services that I would be towing the vessel and its occupants back to Hallowing Point boat ramp.

A Calvert County Fire Boat met me between Sheridan Point and Buzzard Creek and took Operator on board to evaluate the burns and take him to an ambulance that was waiting at the boat ramp. Operator was taken by ambulance to Calvert Memorial Hospital where he was treated for minor burns to his feet and legs.

Prior to Operator being transferred to the fire boat I asked him about how the fire started. He said that after being anchored for some time he started the engine and within about a minute the engine exploded throwing the engine cover up and fire had started to consume the engine compartment. I have attached statements from both Operator and Occupant to this report.

Once the fire boat had taken Operator, I continued towing the vessel, with Occupant still on board, to the boat ramp. At the ramp I secured the vessel to a pier and documented the damage to the engine compartment and surrounding area (pictures attached). Occupant remained with the vessel until Operator texted him for a ride from the hospital back to the boat ramp. I assisted with maneuvering the vessel into the ramp where Occupant and Operator were able to get it onto a trailer and haul it out. Operator estimated the damage to be about $5,000.00 and provided a Geico insurance policy.

All events occurred in Calvert County, Maryland.

Patuxent River -N of Broomes I
Prince Frederick              