On 06/04/2023 at approximately 1645 while on patrol, I Officer and Officer of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, were dispatched to a vessel fire located on the West River. 

While responding to the West River, we were informed that the reported fire was taking place on a white sailboat with a blue stripe, however no further info was provided.

Upon entering the West River, we were able to make contact with Fireboat, who informed us that the vessel in question had been towed to Hartge Yacht Marina in Galesville. Fireboat also informed us that by the time they arrived on scene, the alleged fire had already been extinguished by the occupants of the vessel.

Upon arrival at Hartge Yatch Marina, myself and Off. were able to find a sailboat matching the description. We located a 1993 Cataina 30' bearing Maryland registration was tied to the nearest bulkhead at the marina from where the fire was initially reported. We made contact with two subjects, identified by their Drivers Licenses. 

According to both parties, as they were returning to the West River, both parties began to smell what they believed was something burning coming from within the vessel. After smelling something burning, Subject opened the door to the cabin of his sailboat, and smoke began emanating from the cabin. Subject then entered the cabin of the vessel and opened the engine compartment, where he identified the smoke to be coming from. Though Subject never observed flames coming from the engine compartment, Subject used two full fire extinguishers in an attempt to stop the smoking and as a precautionary measure. According to Subjects, they believed a belt came off of their motor, which then caused the burning smell and smoke. At the conclusion of our interaction, I gave both occupants my information and told them to call me back when a mechanic comes out and assess the damage.

Subject stated the fan belt on the engine wrapped around the alternator on the motor and got incinerated, which was the cause of all the smoke coming from the engine bay. An evaluation by mechanics determined the cost of the damage to exceed $2,000 dollars.

 All events occurred in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Galesville                    