A tragic Point Lookout boating accident has left the St. Mary’s County boating community in mourning after a 71-year-old man lost his life at Point Lookout Marina on the Potomac River. On Saturday, August 2, 2025, just after 1 p.m., the incident occurred as a boat was docking at the marina in Ridge, Maryland, a scenic waterfront known for Salt Waterfront Kitchen. The victim fell overboard while the vessel was still underway and was fatally struck by the propeller, according to authorities.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police spokesman Hunter Dortenzo reported that officers arrived to find the man with severe injuries consistent with propeller strikes. The Point Lookout boating accident prompted a swift response from multiple agencies. The U.S. Coast Guard was on scene, rescuing the man from the marina waters. Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and emergency medical services personnel performed CPR in a desperate attempt to save him, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness dining at Salt Waterfront Kitchen shared on Facebook that the response to the Point Lookout boating accident was rapid, with first responders converging within minutes. Alongside the Coast Guard and Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, personnel from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Aviation with Helicopter 7 on standby, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River were poised to assist. Their coordinated efforts underscored the community’s commitment to public safety, though the outcome was heartbreaking.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police is leading the investigation into the Point Lookout boating accident, with an autopsy underway at the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore to determine the precise cause of death. The incident has shaken Ridge, a close-knit community in St. Mary’s County, where the marina serves as a hub for local boaters and visitors. The Point Lookout boating accident highlights the inherent risks of recreational boating, even in familiar waters like the Potomac River.
St. Mary’s County, with its 113,510 residents and extensive shoreline along the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, is no stranger to boating activities. The Point Lookout boating accident serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance on the water. The marina, located at the southern tip of the county, is a popular spot for locals and tourists, making this loss deeply felt across the region. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity, respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
The ongoing investigation into the Point Lookout boating accident aims to clarify the circumstances and prevent future tragedies. The St. Mary’s County community continues to rally in support of those affected, honoring the memory of the boater lost in this tragic incident.