On January 26, 2023, at approximately 6:20 A.M., Ofc. and I, Off., of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, was dispatched to investigate a vessel fire that occurred at Wilson Cove Marina, 600 Doyle Rd, Deale MD, 20751. The call had originally been dispatched to the Anne Arundel County Fire at 1:15 A.M who advised the vessel was docked at the address above and fire had been extinguished.

We noticed four marine batteries laying by the entrance of the dock. The top side of the batteries had sustained burn damage and had electrical wiring that had been cut off. Pictures of the batteries have been added to the attachment section of this report. The vessel involved in the fire was a white 1982 Tollycraft Trawler 48' bearing MD registration /US Coast Guard # 916267.

Officers made contact with the owner of the vessel. Owner stated he was sleeping in the vessel when he woke up to smoke coming out of the bilge and filling the cabin area. Additionally, he stated he didn't observe any flames while he was in the vessel waiting for AACO Fire to show up. The engine area had sustained minor charring and the fuse junction box wiring was melted. Pictures of the affected area has been added to the attachment section of this report. He informed us he had the wiring redone by a local company out of Herrington Harbour North approximately two months ago and had not had any issues until now. The fire more than likely began from an electrical shortage from the wiring connecting the junction box and batteries. Owner estimated each battery at $1,000, plus $4,000 for wiring and battery switch for a total of $8,000.

I advised Owner to contact his insurance agency and provide them with the report number to facilitate with the claim process. 

All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, MD.

600 Doyle Road, Deale
Deale                         