$300K Loss When Boat Catches Fire, 2 Nearby Boats And Pier Damaged

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A boat caught on fire July 3 while docked at the Havre De Grace City Yacht Basin, causing more than a quarter-million dollars in damage to nearby boats and a pier, authorities said.

The fire broke out in the cabin around 4:20 p.m. Monday. According to the State Fire Marshal's Office, the owner was cleaning the 1988 32-foot Bayliner Avanti (Northern Star) when the fire broke out. He and others grabbed fire extinguishers and hoses and tried to put it out, but the fire grew too quickly and spread.

The boat has been declared totaled with an estimated loss of $300,000 that includes extensive damage to a boat located on the port side, a 1994 Tiara Yacht 3100 (Duzie II) plus a boat on the starboard side, a Sea Ray 290 Amberjack, that sustained minor heat-related damage. The pier also was damaged in the fire.

The Susquehanna Hose Company responded to the fire with 35 firefighters working to put it out. It took them about an hour to reign in the blaze. The fire remains under investigation.

The Maryland Department of Environment, Harford County Special Operations Hazmat Team, Natural Resource Police and U.S. Coast Guard responded and assisted due to environmental concerns.