Yacht Catches Fire, Sinks At Wildwood Marina

WILDWOOD, NJ — A yacht caught fire and then sank Thursday afternoon while moored to the fuel dock at a Wildwood marina, according to the City of Wildwood Fire Department.

The 42-foot pleasure vessel was engulfed in flames before 1 p.m. at Schooner Island Marina, firefighters said. See photos and videos of the blaze here.

Initially, firefighters from Wildwood, North Wildwood and Erma responded. But when they arrived, the fire was upgraded to a full first alarm assignment, which called in off-duty firefighters and additional resources from Wildwood Crest, Rio Grande and Stone Harbor fire companies. North Wildwood and Stone Harbor fire boats also responded.

They began an "aggressive attack" on the fire, which extended to the dock itself and a small shed on the dock.

The boat eventually sank due to the amount of water being used to extinguish the fire, and subsequently a fuel fire started on the water that was contained using foam. The fire was put under control in about 40 minutes, officials said.

A second alarm was transmitted to bring additional manpower to rotate crews, and Villas volunteer firefighters came to the scene. Middle Township Ambulance Corps provided rehab to the firefighters.

Wildwood police, Lower Township police, New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, U.S. Coast Guard and Sea Tow Cape May all assisted as well, officials said.

Four marina employees were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, but refused to go to the hospital, officials said.

The fire remains under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office. Fire Department units operated on the scene for about three and a half hours.