McCotter's Marina-fire investigation reveals non-intentional culprit | Eastern North Carolina Now

    In its investigation of Friday morning's fire at McCotter's Marina, which sunk 26 boats and destroyed an entire covered dock, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has determined the source of the fire to have likely been non-intentional.

    "Physical evidence located during the investigation and information collected during interviews indicates that the fire was caused by an electrical fault," reads a Sheriff's Office news release. "Foul play is not suspected at this time. Environmental clean-up efforts may take several days."

    Early Friday 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. Three people were treated for minor injuries including burns and hypothermia.

    The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene and is coordinating environmental impact assessments and mitigation efforts. Members of the Cherry Point Fire Department also responded 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
N.C. Emergency Management
U.S. Coast Guard
Cherry Point Fire Department
American Red Cross
Collington Fire Department