Dock Fire

[fissioneng]

I'm sad to say that my dock went up in flames yesterday morning killing two of my dockmates.

21 boats a total loss including mine. Most all burned to the waterline and sank.

There were several irreplaceable wooden boats as well as 4 Hatteras' (42C, 46C, and two 43MY)

It's being investigated as arson.

Google "urbanna dock fire" . There is a lot of video from all the Richmond and Norfolk, VA news stations.

 

[Bob Bradley]

That's terrible. I hope it was just an accident and not arson. Sorry for the loss of your dockmates. Boats are replaceable.

 

[fissioneng]

Some of you may remember this as Southside Marine, home of the customized Hurley Hatteras in the 70's and 80's.

 

[Outrageous65]

What a total nightmare, no words could ever ease your loss. We are all effected by such a terrible tragedy, prayers are with your community.

 

[Boatsb]

The loss of life is the worst part. My condolences to those who lost family and vessels.

The idea that someone set that fire is disgusting.

 

[krush]

Oh my. I was there a couple years ago and looked at the 46 and what's his names 42 that were both hurley hatts in amazing shape. Tragic. RIP to those lost.

I remember that wooden boat that was a few slips over from you. Such a shame, but obviously most horrible is the deaths.

Edit: Also, I hope the "arson investigation" is just a formality. I do not like how they jump to conclusions like that.

 

[saltshaker]

We often see these fires and the only loss is property but when lives are lost it truly is tragic. If this is arson I hope they find those responsible and punish them severely. Too often these things happen because someone sees a financial benefit in the way of an insurance payday but disregard the potential consequences to others. I know the arson investigation is a formality but it seems that when they state that arson is suspected early on, there's good cause to believe it was arson.

 

[jim rosenthal]

If it was arson, it's murder. This is appalling. I am so sorry for all your losses. This is awful.

 

[captddis]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[tellico]

Very sad and thanks for sharing the news here. Being south for winter, I had not heard about it, but tragic on all fronts.

I've been to Urbanna many times by land and sea. Cannot imagine what the scene must have been. It is fortunate they controlled the fire before it reached those other sheds and more.

 

[Finalee]

Sorry to read this. Fire continues to be my biggest fear onboard.

 

[rsmith]

Wow! Just seems every year there's a winter dock fire I asume most are caused by portable heaters. When will people ever learn?

 

[Avenger]

What a nightmare. My heart goes out to you and your dockmates and their families. That is an absolute horror.

 

[kjcampos]

sorry for your lost ....our prayers are with .....

 

[rwappleton]

Thoughts and prayers for all concerned.

Checked the detectors last night and all were dead...... scary. We are here usually 5 days a week.

 

[Glory]

Sorry to learn of the loss.

It is always sad to learn of tragedy at the places we love to be,on board a boat, at the marina, yacht club, or the waters edge.

JM

 

[oscarvan]

May their souls rest in peace.

If intentional, and that is the unthinkable, may they burn you know where.

 

[rsmith]

Articles I read said any fire that results in death is automatically investigated as arson.

 

[johnjen50]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you will still frequent the forum, as I always enjoyed reading your posts.

 

[fissioneng]

Thank you all for your thoughts. As you all well know, it's not just about the boat, it's the community of people on the dock. We were relative new comers and have been there 18 years. I'm sure some will not buy another boat so those relationships just won't be on the dock anymore. Even when rebuilt, it will never be the same.