Marine Emergency Team 26

07/23/2026

Effective July 23, 2026, Marine Unit 268 and Marine Unit 269 will receive new unit designations. Moving forward, these apparatuses will no longer be identified as Marine Units and will instead be designated as:

• Fireboat 268 (FB268)
• Fireboat 269 (FB269)

This change will simplify radio communications and align our apparatus designations with nationally recognized standards.

This decision was based on several factors:

• FEMA's National Resource Typing Library identifies these resources as Fireboats, making it the nationally recognized terminology.

• NFPA standards governing marine firefighting apparatus do not prescribe specific apparatus naming conventions.

• Fireboat is consistent with the terminology used by neighboring jurisdictions and other established marine firefighting agencies.

• The designation is concise, easily recognized during dispatch, radio communications, and mutual aid operations.

While this is a relatively small change, it helps ensure our terminology is standardized, professional, and consistent with national best practices.

07/23/2026

This morning Marine Emergency Team 26 assisted the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (HART) while they were conducting training in the area of Hart Miller Island. We provide safety and victims if needed. We appreciate our partnerships with all of our surrounding emergency response partners. North Point - Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department

07/22/2026

It has been a busy season for Marine Emergency Team 26. This evening MU268 responded to assist Kent County Emergency Services with a reported overdue vessel. We assisted other units from Kent County, Marine Emergency Team 21, Maryland Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region in a large area search from Middle River to Tolchester Beach to Still Pond. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in locating the overdue vessel, National Resources Police will continue the investigation.

Did you know that MET26 is a 100% volunteer team that responds to all maritime incidents in and around the Upper Chesapeake Bay. We are trained in open water operations, flood and swift water, ice rescue and even have some divers. We can only operate though with your support. Help support us ensure we can maintain the necessary life saving equipment to ensure the safety of our Boating community. Log on to Www.fundfireboat26.org today!

The Marine Emergency Team of North Point- Edgemere VFD is in urgent need of a new fireboat to continue providing critical emergency services to the community. Your support will ensure that we can respond swiftly and effectively to marine emergencies and keep our community safe.

07/21/2026

This afternoon Marine Emergency Team 26 responded to a vessel fire at the Safe Harbor Carroll Island marina. First arriving units observed a fully involved approximate 45 foot cruiser with exposures to other boats and the pier. Upon arrival the crew of Marine Unit 268, assisted operations with interior extinguishment of hot spots, overhaul and dewatering.

07/05/2026

What began as a beautiful, hot, sunny day quickly turned into a nightmare for many boaters.
Beginning last evening, Marine Emergency Team 26 (MET 26), alongside Marine Emergency Team 21 (MET 21), Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue dive team, Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Natural Resources Police and the Baltimore County Police Department Marine Unit responded to more than six marine emergencies as severe storms moved through the area. Overall, more than 15 people were brought safely to shore. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.

One of the most significant incidents involved a vessel that capsized off the east side of Hart-Miller Island with six people on board. The occupants initially attempted to call for help using their VHF radio, but due to the overwhelming amount of radio traffic during the height of the storm, responders were unable to determine their exact location.

Approximately two hours later, one of the victims was able to place a 911 call using an Apple Watch. That call dispatched Marine Unit 268 (MU268) and Marine Unit 217 (MU217), who were just returning from another emergency.

As crews responded to the location provided by the Apple Watch, MU217 spotted two victims in the water near the northwest tip of Hart-Miller Island. While MU217 rescued those individuals, MU268 continued to the reported location and located the remaining four occupants on shore near the concrete pier on the southeast side of the island. They were safely removed from the island and transported to Bill's Boats, where they were evaluated by EMS. All six individuals declined further medical treatment.

This incident had a positive outcome, but it could have ended very differently.

The two victims found in the water had been floating for more than two hours. Had they not been wearing properly fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs), this rescue could easily have become a tragedy. Their survival is a powerful reminder that wearing a life jacket saves lives.
Before heading out on the water, always: • Check the latest weather forecast and be prepared to change your plans. • Ensure your vessel is equipped with working safety equipment. • Know how to properly use your emergency equipment, including PFDs, flares, VHF radios, flashlights, and other signaling devices.

The members of MET 26, MET 21, the Baltimore County Police Department Marine Unit, Baltimore County 911, and our EMS partners are grateful that everyone made it home safely. Please make safety your highest priority every time you head out on the water.

07/04/2026

Another Independence Day protecting our community. Happy 250th Birthday. Remember Marine Emergency Team 26 is 100% volunteer and are missing time with their families on this special day to protect the Boating community. Please be safe and watch the impending weather.

04/13/2026

Marine Emergency Team 26 would like to send our sincere thanks to our partners at the The Y Dundalk for allowing our team the use of their pool so we can prepare for upcoming swiftwater rescue classes. North Point - Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department