‘IT’S DEVASTATING’

Alabama Boat Marina Fire Kills at Least 8, Destroys 35 Vessels

An early Monday marina blaze consumed 35 vessels, mostly houseboats, docked along the Tennessee River.

Eight people died and 35 boats were destroyed in a fire along the Tennessee River early Monday, according to Alabama authorities. Scottsboro Fire Chief Gene Necklaus said all eight people who were initially reported missing have been confirmed dead, and “that number could go up, because we don’t know how many were on boats” that sank. The fire was reported shortly after midnight and most of the destroyed boats, docked in Jackson County Park, are reportedly houseboats. The blaze consumed a wooden dock and an aluminum roof that covered many of the vessels, which cut off escape routes. “There were numerous people rescued from the water who had escaped by going into the water,” Jackson County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Rocky Harnen told the Associated Press. “We’re trying to get divers down here to search for possible victims in the water.” Seventeen emergency agencies reportedly responded to the scene. Harnen said several of those hospitalized suffered from being in the water and some were burned.