Fire destroys McCotter’s Marina dock and 25 boats | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Early this morning, at 12:30 a.m., the Beaufort County 911 Center received a call reporting a fire at McCotter's Marina in Washington. Firefighters and Deputies responded to the scene and found the north dock engulfed in flames. First responders began the process of ensuring all boats in the area were evacuated. Fire suppression was also initiated. At least 25 boats were damaged by the fire. Most were a total loss. The covered dock was also destroyed. Three people were treated for minor injuries including burns and hypothermia.

    The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has begun an investigation into the source of the fire. The U.S. Coast Guard is on-scene to assess the environmental impact and assist in containment of debris from the damaged vessels. Members of the Cherry Point Fire Department water-response unit are also on-scene to assist with containment activities. Eastern Environmental, a private hazardous materials company, has been called in to conduct the clean-up.

    The following agencies have participated in the response:
Bunyan Fire Department
Chocowinity Fire Department
Washington Fire Department
Bath Fire Department
Broad Creek EMS
Sidney Dive Team
Clarks Neck Fire Department
Old Ford Fire Department
Pinetown EMS
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office
Beaufort County Emergency Management
NC Emergency Management
US Coast Guard
Cherry Point Fire Department

    The investigation is on-going and additional information will be released when available. A public information officer is on-scene for additional questions.