Update: Overnight Fire at South River Marina Totals Two Crafts

Update (Aug. 23, 3:30 p.m.): Workers at the South River Marina have already pulled the craft out of the water, it was a twin-engine Rinker. South River Marina owner Skip Bennett said that the fire was caused by the boat owner who left candles burning while she went to take a shower. He said that she was doing a little cleanup at the marina to prepare the boat for weekend use. The candles were to help remove a stale smell in the boat. He said that when she came out she didn’t know it was her boat at first. He said that she saw fire and police and firemen everywhere.  Then she realized what had happened.

Bennett said nobody was injured in the incident and that fire and police were quickly on the scene and were very professional. He also said that neighbors and residents who live near the marina quickly called 911.

Bennett said that the boat was towed to the takeout where a lift pulled it up out of the water. After the water drained out, they put the boat on stretchers and shrink-wrapped it.

The second boat, a sleek red speed boat that looked to be about 35 feet long, was also a total loss. That boats’ charred remains were half submerged.

The dock where the boat was moored is off-limits, sealed off with yellow tape. A third boat, another Rinker, had some damage, melted paint mostly. It will be repaired.

Bennett said that there are rules about fire at the marina, and BBQ grills where people can host cookouts.

“It looks like I might have to ban candles now too,” he said

Original story (10:30 a.m.) An overnight fire at the “B” pier at the South River Marina off Turkey Point Road in Edgewater caused thousands of dollars in damage. According to Anne Arundel County Fire Department Spokesman Lt. Keith Hamilton, the first boat involved was at the end of the pier. Fire and rescue were called in at 3:48 a.m.

The fire extended to a second and then a third boat before it was extinguished around 5:04 a.m. In all 47 firefighters worked the incident. The first and second boats are total losses. The third boat and the pier were damaged.

There is no damage estimate at this time. No cause for the fire is available, Hamilton said. Investigators are working the case.