| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2026
Media Contact:
William Smith, Public Information Officer
Charles County Volunteer Fire/EMS Association
smithb@ccvfireems.org
TENTH DISTRICT VFD FIREBOAT 8 LOCATES TWO MISSING KAYAKERS DURING POTOMAC RIVER SEARCH
CHARLES COUNTY, MD – A late-night mutual aid response on the Potomac River on Thursday, September 24, 2026, resulted in the successful location and rescue of two missing kayakers by Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department Fireboat 8 and demonstrated the importance of Charles County’s specialized marine emergency response resources.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department Fireboat 8 was alerted to assist Fairfax County with an ongoing search for two kayakers who had been reported missing. The individuals had last been seen approximately 30 hours before Charles County’s marine resources were requested to assist.
Fireboat 8 responded with a crew of five and began searching the Potomac River. The crew initially checked the river south to the power lines before turning north and concentrating its search along the Maryland shoreline.
As Fireboat 8 approached Craney Island, just north of the Potomac Heights area, crew members spotted two individuals frantically waving from a duck blind on the island.
The Fireboat 8 crew immediately approached the location and brought both individuals aboard. The kayakers were evaluated for injuries and potential medical concerns following their extended time missing. Fortunately, neither individual appeared to have suffered significant injury or require immediate medical treatment.
The two kayakers were subsequently transferred to Fairfax County Fireboat 420, which transported them back to the Virginia shoreline where their trip had originated.
The Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department Fireboat 8 crew returned to quarters at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25.
This successful search and rescue highlights the tremendous value of the marine firefighting and rescue resources maintained by Charles County’s volunteer fire and EMS departments.
With Charles County bordered by extensive waterways, including the Potomac and Patuxent rivers and numerous creeks and tributaries, properly equipped marine units staffed by trained personnel provide a critical emergency response capability throughout the county and surrounding region.
These resources allow Charles County’s volunteer fire and EMS departments to conduct search and rescue operations, assist boaters in distress, respond to emergencies on and along our waterways, and provide mutual aid assistance to neighboring jurisdictions when requested.
The successful location of these two missing kayakers after approximately 30 hours demonstrates the importance of maintaining specialized marine equipment and, equally important, having trained and dedicated volunteer personnel ready to respond when called.
The actions of the five-member Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department Fireboat 8 crew are an outstanding example of the value of Charles County’s marine resources and the regional cooperation that exists among fire and rescue agencies along the Potomac River.
Charles County’s marine resources are more than boats—they are lifesaving emergency response assets serving our citizens, our waterways, and our neighboring jurisdictions throughout the region.
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Oct 06, 2026
