A boat fire in Drayden caused an estimated $125,000 in damage late Wednesday night, with flames starting in the engine compartment of a 61-foot motor vessel that was on land for repairs.
At approximately 11:06 p.m. on May 7, units from the Second District Volunteer Fire Department responded to 46555 Dennis Point Way for a reported boat fire. One occupant was on board at the time and escaped without injury. Two nearby motor vessels sustained heat damage.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes. An estimated $100,000 in structural damage and $25,000 in contents damage was reported.
The incident remains under investigation by the Calvert County Fire/Rescue and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The preliminary cause has not been determined.
Drayden is a small waterfront community in southern St. Mary’s County along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. The area is popular for recreational boating, fishing and historic sites such as the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. Many residents and visitors keep boats at local marinas or on private property for maintenance and repairs. Engine compartment fires are among the most common causes of boat fires, often linked to fuel leaks, electrical issues or overheating during repair work.
Second District Volunteer Fire Department, based in Valley Lee, serves the southern portion of St. Mary’s County, including Drayden. The department frequently responds to marine and waterfront incidents in a region where boating is a major part of local life and tourism.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and local fire departments regularly remind boat owners to practice fire safety, including proper ventilation, regular maintenance of fuel systems and electrical wiring, and having working fire extinguishers on board. When boats are on land for repairs, extra precautions are recommended to prevent sparks or fuel ignition.
No arrests were made. The owner discovered the fire and reported it immediately.
