Sunken Boat in Wildwood Recovered After Fire Incident
Guests dining at Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant in Wildwood witnessed an unexpected spectacle yesterday as crews successfully recovered the sunken boat “Luv-It” from the bay using a crane.
The dramatic recovery occurred against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of the fire that caused the boat to sink.
The incident unfolded on August 22nd at approximately 12:45 p.m., when a fire erupted on the 41-foot vessel while it was docked at the fuel dock in Wildwood’s Schooner Island Marina.
Sunken Boat in Wildwood Recovered After Fire Incident
Multiple stations, including Squad 3, Station 2, and Station 13, were called to the scene to extinguish the fire.
Fortunately, marina staff quickly activated the emergency shut-off switch to stop fuel from flowing to the dock.
Interestingly, before the fireboats arrived, firefighters commandeered a pontoon boat to assess the situation from the bay-facing side of the boat, as shown in the video at the bottom of this article.
Emergency responders received a 911 call shortly after the fire began and arrived on the scene within minutes.
Despite their swift response, the fire’s intensity and hazardous conditions made it difficult to control, leading to the boat’s eventual sinking.
Firefighters did an excellent job ensuring that the fire did not spread to nearby boats.
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The boat sank in a challenging location, as the fuel dock is one of the few in our area.
Sea Tow Cape May was contracted to remove the boat from the bay floor, partnering with North Star Marine for the recovery.
On Tuesday, August 27th, a massive crane was brought to Schooner Island Marina, and the following day, the boat was rigged and lifted onto a barge.
Divers were deployed to install lifting straps under the boat. Once in place, the crane was able to lift the boat slowly, allowing water to escape.
The aftermath photos reveal the extensive damage: the helm was destroyed, and the hull was burned on both sides, indicating a total loss.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no injuries were reported. The marina and surrounding area have been closed off for safety and cleanup as officials assess the full extent of the damage and determine the necessary steps for repairs and remediation.
Below is our video showcasing the “Luv-It” on fire. Before you watch please subscribe as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers.
Photos by Peter Stampone and Cindy Riemer