A huge fire erupted in the U.S. Coast Guard boathouse in Menemsha yesterday afternoon, completely destroying the 68-year-old building along with an extended wooden pier that leads to the west dock on the Menemsha harbor. Also destroyed in the blaze were at least one truck and an unknown number of small boats nearby. Miraculously there were no injuries save one minor injury to a volunteer fireman, a Coast Guard public affairs spokesman confirmed last night.
Now that Labor Day has come and gone, Islanders are reclaiming Circuit avenue parking spots, swimming at Squibnocket and finally savoring the Menemsha sunset. Brad Tucker, front man for the Island band Ballyhoo, the sleeper hit of the summer music scene, is thrilled Vineyarders are taking back the Island. Mr. Tucker and his band mates have spent Sunday evenings since June playing free music down at the docks in Menemsha. The seasonal slowdown allows them to get back to what they really love doing — playing low-key music for their friends and family, the Islanders.
A Day In The Life of The Island's Fishing Village
Sunrise in Menemsha.
Sunrise in Menemsha.
The Richard Arnold and the Four Kids wait in Menemsha harbor.
The Richard Arnold and the Four Kids wait in Menemsha harbor.
The fishing fleet tied up at the Dutcher Dock.
The fishing fleet tied up at the Dutcher Dock.
Early morning light on Menemsha harbor.
Early morning light on Menemsha harbor.
Old fishing gear lines the bait shacks.
Old fishing gear lines the bait shacks.
Dutcher Dock is quiet in the morning.
Dutcher Dock is quiet in the morning.
The members of Coast Guard Station Menemsha are active early.
The members of Coast Guard Station Menemsha are active early.
The 47 foot Coast Guard Cutters sit ready by the boat house.
The 47 foot Coast Guard Cutters sit ready by the boat house.
BM1 Tyler Vanderhaven in his office at Station Menemsha.
BM1 Tyler Vanderhaven in his office at Station Menemsha.
The view of Menemsha from the Coast Guard station.
The view of Menemsha from the Coast Guard station.
Coast Guard duty members make the walk from the station down to the boat house.
Coast Guard duty members make the walk from the station down to the boat house.
A risk assessment briefing before training operations.
A risk assessment briefing before training operations.
BM1 Tyler Vanderhaven in the cockpit of one of the Coast Guard vessels.
BM1 Tyler Vanderhaven in the cockpit of one of the Coast Guard vessels.
BM2 Patrick Shanahan in the engine room.
BM2 Patrick Shanahan in the engine room.
Heading out for training exercises.
Heading out for training exercises.
Coast Guard helicopter heads over to Menemsha for training.
Coast Guard helicopter heads over to Menemsha for training.
Helicopter makes multiple approaches toward Coast Guard cutter.
Helicopter makes multiple approaches toward Coast Guard cutter.
Stanley Larsen at work in Menemsha Fish Market.
Stanley Larsen at work in Menemsha Fish Market.
Janelle Fogg awaits the next customer.
Janelle Fogg awaits the next customer.
Stanley Larsen and Janelle Fogg at Menemsha Fish Market.
Stanley Larsen and Janelle Fogg at Menemsha Fish Market.
Janelle Fogg weighs out some bay scallops.
Janelle Fogg weighs out some bay scallops.
A walk on Menemsha beach is always a favorite.
A walk on Menemsha beach is always a favorite.
Still stunning in winter.
Still stunning in winter.
Menemsha harbor is famous for its afternoon and evening light.
Menemsha harbor is famous for its afternoon and evening light.
Menemsha Fish Market waits for the summer season.
Menemsha Fish Market waits for the summer season.
Soon to be filled with charter fishing boats.
Soon to be filled with charter fishing boats.
Birds fill the rigging of the Richard Arnold.
Birds fill the rigging of the Richard Arnold.
The Lady M. under sunset light.
The Lady M. under sunset light.
The famous Squid Row is a popular hangout in warmer months.
The famous Squid Row is a popular hangout in warmer months.
No applause for this sunset, just gull cries and channel marker bells.
No applause for this sunset, just gull cries and channel marker bells.
Menemsha Creek at the end of the day.
Menemsha Creek at the end of the day.
A Tuesday in February in Menemsha starts like most of the Island — serene. But more so.