Fireboat Sinks Near Gibson Island, Crew Is Safe On Shore: Officials

GIBSON ISLAND, MD — A fireboat sank near Gibson Island, officials announced late Monday afternoon. The crew members were rescued, and they are all in good health.

Capital Gazette journalist Dan Belson reported that there were four crew members on the watercraft, known as Fireboat 41. Belson said the crew was from Fireboat 19, but they were using the now-sunken Fireboat 41 to train firefighters.

The vessel belonged to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

"Fire Department personnel are actively working with local resources to recover the boat from the water in a safe manner at this time," the agency tweeted around 5 p.m. "Thank you to all who assisted in the rescue of our fire personnel."

Gibson Island sits on the northern shore of the Magothy River at its intersection with the Chesapeake Bay.

Waters have been rough for most of Monday.

The National Weather Service issued a gale warning Monday morning for most of central Maryland. Advisories are the least urgent weather announcement. Watches are more pressing, and warnings are the most serious.

This warning forecasted frequent gusts between 30 mph and 45 mph. Isolated gusts could reach 50 mph. The weather bulletin expires Monday evening.

WMAR journalist Bryna Zumer reported that the fire department did not know why the boat sank by 5:22 p.m.

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