Six Rescued After Boat Stranded In Shallow Waters Of Mattawoman Creek

Rescuers used Airboat 8 Sunday night, Aug. 17, 2025, to remove six people from a stranded vessel in Mattawoman Creek near Indian Head.
Credit – Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Charles County fire crews used a specialized airboat to rescue six people stranded on a vessel in shallow waters of Mattawoman Creek on Sunday night, Aug. 17, 2025.

Fire officials said Fireboat 8 responded first to the area near the old footbridge, where it located the disabled boat but could not reach it due to low water levels. Crews confirmed the passengers were safe before calling in Airboat 8, designed to operate in extremely shallow or obstructed waterways.

Airboat 8 made its way up the creek and safely transported all six occupants back to Slavin’s dock. No injuries were reported, and the stranded vessel was left behind until it could be retrieved.

Emergency officials noted that while Airboat 8 is not among the county’s busiest rescue tools, it has been critical in past swift-water and ice rescues, offering access where traditional fireboats cannot operate. All units were back in service after the operation.