This photo shows the Mattapoisett Boatyard at 32 Ned’s Point Road, Mattapoisett, before the fire that destroyed all the buildings on 8/19/22. Photo from Mattapoisett Fire Department Facebook page.
By Beth David, Editor
An employee of the Mattapoisett Boatyard was seriously injured in a fire that ultimately destroyed every building on the property on Friday, 8/19/22. Fire assets from the region responded to the six alarm blaze.
According to a press release from the Mattapoisett Fire Department, the fire started inside a building where a worker was replacing a boat’s gas tank.
“Investigators believe that a spark ignited gasoline vapors during this process, causing an explosion and fire that seriously injured the worker, an adult male,” reads the press release.
The injured worker has been identified as Phil Macomber, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help him with expenses while he recuperates from burns and a shattered femur. (See page 6 for three fund-raisers to help the boat yard.) Three firefighters were also treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion.
The fire was fed by winds of up to 25 miles per hour coming in off the water. It destroyed six buildings, 47 vehicles, and 20 boats. In total, more than 100 firefighters battled the fire with 19 engines, 12 tankers, three fireboats, and two ladder trucks.
“We’re extremely fortunate that Friday’s fire didn’t cause more injuries or worse,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “Nearly 900 fires have started with gasoline in Massachusetts over the past 10 years, causing nine deaths and almost $20 million in damages. Many of us use gasoline in our daily lives, but we can’t lose sight of the fire and explosion hazard associated with it. Gasoline vapors can travel a great distance to an ignition point, especially indoors.”
All the buildings on the Mattapoisett Boatyard property at 32 Ned’s Point Road are destroyed, along with cars and boats, after a fire on 8/19/22 ripped through the property. Barry Mullin/New England Dronalist, https://www.nedronalist.com.
See below for link to the full press release by the Mattapoisett Fire Department.
On its Facebook page on 8/22, the Mattapoisett Boatyard wrote “everything is gone.”
“Our number one concern is for our long time employee, Phil Macomber,” wrote the owners. “He was badly injured as a result of the initial explosion. He has major burns to his face and neck and a shattered femur. He is at RI Hospital in their burn unit, intubated and sedated. He is expected to recover from these injuries but clearly has a long road ahead. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers.”
The boatyard has pledged to rebuild.
All the buildings on the Mattapoisett Boatyard property at 32 Ned’s Point Road are destroyed, along with cars and boats, after a fire on 8/19/22 ripped through the property. Barry Mullin/New England Dronalist, https://www.nedronalist.com.
“As you can imagine, the idea of starting over from the ground up is becoming more daunting with each passing day,” reads the FB post. “Our employees are our first priority. All of their personal tools and other belongings are lost*. There are no more shop tools or equipment. Our entire inventory is gone. Any paperwork, physical records, archives are also gone.”
The post thanks everyone who helped on that day, and says they are grateful the fire was contained by firefighters and did not spread to the neighborhood.
“As much as we would never wish this tragedy on anyone, the way that so many have rallied around us has been incredible,” they wrote. “We have always loved our town and our wonderful community. We never realized the profound effect this horrible event would have on so many others. It’s impossible not feel emotional and deeply moved by others’ efforts to help out.
“We will get through this, that we are sure of. MBY Strong!”
The boatyard is owned and run by father-son team David and Ned Kaiser, with Ned being the third generation in the business. Visit https://www.mattapoisettboatyard.com
As of press time, the GoFundMe page had raised $148,443, and a post had noted that Mr. Macomber was out of the ICU.
All the buildings on the Mattapoisett Boatyard property at 32 Ned’s Point Road are destroyed, along with cars and boats, after a fire on 8/19/22 ripped through the property. Barry Mullin/New England Dronalist, https://www.nedronalist.com.
Fundraising efforts to help Mattapoisett Boatyard, employees
A fire at the Mattapoisett Boatyard seriously injured an employee, and destroyed all the buildings on the property. Boats and vehicles were also destroyed in the fire.
To help the employee who was injured, the boatyard, and the employees, several fundraising efforts have been started.
Here are three of them that we had information on by press time.
A fire devastates the Mattapoisett Boatyard on Friday, 8/19/22, ultimately destroying every building on the property, boats and vehicles, and seriously injuring a worker. Photo from GoFundMe page organized by David Horne.
For Phil Macomber
Phil Macomber was badly injured as a result of the devastating fire at Mattapoisett Boat Yard. Phil has been part of the MBY family for nearly 20 years. He is currently hospitalized for burns and a shattered femur and has a long road to recovery.
To make a donation to Phil Macomber, visit https://gofund.me/2d565910.
Tool Drive
The terrible fire destroyed all their shops and technicians’ tools. There were 15 techs and yard workers affected by the fire.
Please consider donating new or gently used professional quality tools. Look around your shops and consider giving that retired toolbox or tool a new home!
Tools can be dropped off at the trailer at 67 North St., Mattapoisett or at Triad Boatworks on Park St. The trailer will also be at Mattapoisett town wharf on Sat., 8/27, from noon to 5 p.m.
All the buildings on the Mattapoisett Boatyard property at 32 Ned’s Point Road are destroyed, along with cars and boats, after a fire on 8/19/22 ripped through the property. Barry Mullin/New England Dronalist, https://www.nedronalist.com.
Tools needed are: Tool boxes, bench top and rolling, socket sets, drive torque wrenches, screw drivers, vise grips, box and open wrench sets, crescent wrenches, electric drills, drill bits, Allen head socket bits, ball bean hammers, punch sets, pliers of various types, miter chop saw, drill press, fluke multi meters, extension cords, skill saw, Sawzall, 20-volt battery-powered tools, heavy duty bench top vise, and anything else you think a marine tech might need.
You may also make a financial donation at https://tinyurl.com/2p99kwb8
Contact Tim Moll: tmoll@shmarinas.com, 508-254-4500.
All the buildings on the Mattapoisett Boatyard property at 32 Ned’s Point Road are destroyed, along with cars and boats, after a fire on 8/19/22 ripped through the property. Barry Mullin/New England Dronalist, https://www.nedronalist.com.
Boat Parade
Calling all boats. Show your support for the Mattapoisett Boatyard. Mattapoisett Yacht Club is opening up an invitation to all Mattapoisett community members to join us in a boat parade around the harbor in support of Mattapoisett Boatyard, on Sun., 8/28, 5 p.m.
No sign-up or registration required. Any vessel can join, all are welcome. Many great viewing spots from the shoreline.
Parade info: 1630 hours boats gather at starting area MYC racing mark “H” in front of Ned Point. Monitor channel 71 for instruction from Goodspeed. Parade starts at 1700 hr. ETA Town Dock 17:30
Boatyard & Victims
This GoFundMe page is for the boatyard and the victims. Organizer David Horne states on the GoFundMe page: “I solemnly swear to work hand in hand with the Kaiser family to apply every cent received to most needy cause.”
Visit https://gofund.me/770b074e
•••
Click here to download the entire 8/25/22 issue: 08-25-22 MusicNight
Click here to download the Mattapoisett Fire Department Press Release from 8-22-22: MattapoisettFirePR
Click here to download the No-Trespass order against Wayne Oliveira: 2022.08.17 No Trespass- WOliveira
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