A devastating fire broke out early Saturday morning at the Imperial Yacht Club in New Rochelle, injuring two people and destroying seven boats. Among the victims were a mother and child, who were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital after being found sitting in a car near the burning vessels.
The fire, which erupted around 12:45 a.m., caused significant damage to the marina and displaced individuals who lived aboard some of the destroyed boats. Authorities are now investigating the cause while addressing a significant diesel fuel spill resulting from the blaze.
How the Fire Unfolded
Witnesses described the terrifying moments when the fire erupted.
Ralph Rios, a New Rochelle resident, was sleeping on his boat when the explosion-like sound woke him:
“It blasted. Sounded like lightning hit, and I didn’t know what was going on. When I came out, I was really shook because there’s always people in that boat. Lucky they were in Florida.”
Rios rushed outside without his phone, keys, or money, fearing the fire would spread:
“I was scared it was going to blow up while I was trying to run up the ramp.”
Extent of the Damage
- Seven boats destroyed: Including two 40-foot recreational vessels that sank.
- Dozens of boats saved: Quick action by firefighters prevented further devastation.
- Significant property damage: Several boats served as homes for their owners, meaning some have now lost not just their property, but also their residences.
“There’s considerable damage to the property, but mostly to the boat owners. Some of those people lived on those boats, so they lost their homes,” said marina owner John Giacobbe.
Emergency Response Efforts
Multiple fire units worked to contain the fire within two hours:
- New Rochelle Fire Department
- Port Washington Fire Department
- FDNY Marine Units
The fire chief reported that as boats burned, they began to drift, destroying tie lines and spreading the fire risk. Without the quick response, more boats could have been destroyed.
Fuel Spill Contamination: A Growing Concern
In addition to property damage, officials estimate that around 100 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into the water as a result of the fire.
Harbormaster Sal Gugliara explained:
“All the boats in here probably have between 200 and 400 gallons of diesel. We have units out here putting absorbent pads in the water.”
Environmental Response Efforts
- The New Rochelle Harbormaster is working with:
- U.S. Coast Guard
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Ongoing cleanup efforts include:
- Deploying absorbent pads to minimize fuel contamination
- Salvaging the damaged boats from the water
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities considering multiple possibilities, including accidental electrical malfunctions or potential foul play. Salvage operations will continue while investigators gather evidence from the damaged boats and surrounding areas.
