Photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County FD.
On Monday, March 25, 2022, at approximately 3:00 p.m., while in the Chesapeake Bay near Gibson Island, Fireboat 19 advised their boat was taking on water and requested assistance.
Anne Arundel County Firefighters from Cape St. Claire were conducting marine operations training on the Chesapeake Bay (near Gibson Island) on Tuesday afternoon. Anne Arundel County Fireboat Operators train in all sea conditions to remain proficient in emergency responses. At approximately 3:00 pm the boat crew discovered their vessel was taking on water and radioed for assistance. Arundel County Fire Department resources, supported by multiple agencies, responded to assist.
A Maryland Natural Resources Police boat was the first to arrive at the scene and quickly rescued all four firefighters from the water. The firefighters had been in the water for approximately ten minutes and were aided by their cold-water survival suits and PFDs (personal floatation devices).
Once ashore, the firefighters were evaluated by AACoFD medical personnel and released.
The Station 19, Cape St. Clair boat crew had been utilizing the fireboat from Station 41, Avalon Shores, as Fireboat 19 was out of service for maintenance. Fireboat 41 is a 36’ Moose special purpose vessel that is utilized for a variety of public safety missions.
The cause of the sinking remains undetermined until investigators can recover the fireboat and examine it thoroughly. Efforts are underway by the department’s Special Operations Division, in coordination with outside resources, to refloat the fireboat safely while minimizing environmental impact.
39 firefighters from Anne Arundel, Annapolis Fire Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, and Baltimore County Fire Department, along with personnel from Maryland Natural Resources Police, Maryland State Police, United States Coast Guard responded and assisted in rescue operations.
Photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County FD.
