Long Island Marina Restaurant, Boats Destroyed in Hurricane-Fueled Fire

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SEAFORD, N.Y. A popular Long Island waterfront restaurant and six docked boats were destroyed Thursday night when a fast-moving fire swept through the Treasure Island Marina, fueled by conditions from Hurricane Erin.

The fire erupted around 9:30 p.m. at Crabby Amy’s Clam and Oyster Bar. Video from the scene shows firefighters battling intense flames on the restaurant’s deck while a fireboat sprayed water on the surrounding vessels.

Officials said the fire spread rapidly, fueled by high winds and surging tides from the offshore hurricane, which may have caused water to reach electrical components inside the building. “It appears to be non-suspicious, electrical in nature,” Wantagh Fire Department Public Information Officer Kevin Regan told local media. “The fire marshal is examining the possibility that high tides may have put some water into the structure and contributed to the ignition.”

The blaze damaged at least six boats, two of which drifted away from their docks and had to be towed back to shore, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Four boats were deemed total losses.

Fire crews worked for approximately two hours before bringing the fire under control around 11:30 p.m. No injuries were reported. However, the restaurant was left completely gutted, with only the charred framework remaining.

Crabby Amy’s owners expressed their devastation but extended gratitude to the community for their support. “Thankfully, there were no employees or patrons present during the fire, and the main facilities of Treasure Island Marina were spared,” the restaurant said in a statement posted to social media Friday.

The statement continued, “We are unsure of what the future holds for our dear crab shack. What we do know is how thankful we are for the years we spent serving you.”

The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident to determine the precise cause.

Local authorities emphasized the importance of safety measures at marinas during severe weather. The fire serves as a reminder of the compounded risks that hurricanes can pose to waterfront businesses and vessels.

As Hurricane Erin moves along the East Coast, officials urged residents to monitor weather alerts and take precautions to safeguard property. Despite the destruction at Treasure Island Marina, first responders successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring structures, preventing further damage.

The loss of Crabby Amy’s Clam and Oyster Bar marks a significant blow to the Long Island waterfront community, which has long regarded the restaurant as a local landmark. Supporters have begun offering messages of encouragement, highlighting the role of small businesses in the region’s maritime culture.

No further evacuations or damages have been reported in Seaford related to the hurricane’s effects as of Friday morning. The community continues to assess the aftermath of the fire and Hurricane Erin’s local impact.