The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) investigated 11 reportable boating accidents, conducted hundreds of vessel stops and made five alcohol-related arrests during its Operation Dry Water saturation patrol from July 3 to July 5.
The holiday weekend is statistically one of the busiest and most dangerous periods for boating. No boating fatalities were recorded in Maryland over Independence Day.
NRP officers responded to several significant emergencies amid severe storms on the evening of July 4 that brought damaging winds and heavy rain.
Notable incidents included:
• James Island, Dorchester County: A vessel carrying eight people struck an exposed dredge pipe around 11:50 p.m. on July 4. Seven occupants were transported to safety; one sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.
• Potomac River near Westmoreland State Park: A 21-foot bowrider capsized around 11:45 p.m., sending seven people into the water. Multiple agencies assisted in the rescue.
• Potomac River near Silverbrook Beach in Nanjemoy: Hazardous conditions grounded a boat around 10 p.m., stranding seven people. NRP safely transported them to Virginia.
• Patuxent River near Solomons Island: A 13-foot boat capsized in heavy weather around 8:30 p.m. A Good Samaritan rescued the three occupants.
• C&D Canal near Chesapeake City: A 32-foot vessel exploded after fueling around 4 p.m., injuring 10 people. Multiple victims required air and ground transport to hospitals.
• Patapsco River near Bodkin Point: A 26-foot vessel exploded around noon on July 3, injuring four people. Good Samaritans assisted before EMS transport.
Officers made five alcohol-related arrests, including two for Operating While Under the Influence of Alcohol (OUI). Convictions carry penalties up to $1,000 in fines, one year in jail and two-year boating privilege revocation.
In total, NRP issued 163 boating citations and 813 warnings, conducted 173 vessel inspections, stopped 345 boats and responded to 1,873 calls for service.
Operation Dry Water, launched nationally in 2009, involves increased enforcement in areas where drinking and boating occur. NRP has participated since its inception.
The campaign underscores the importance of safe boating practices, especially during high-traffic holiday periods. Officials continue to urge boaters to designate sober operators, wear life jackets and check weather conditions.
