Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to avoid the beach near an unoccupied house collapse in Rodanthe

Contact:Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging its visitors to avoid the beach and stay out of the water near the north end of Rodanthe and potentially for miles to the south, due to an early morning collapse of an unoccupied house at 23001 G A Kohler Court in Rodanthe, North Carolina. Additionally, the Seashore is monitoring an adjacent house that sustained damages because of the house collapse. Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water to the north and south of the collapse site, which will likely lead to temporary beach closures for public safety.

A debris removal contractor, hired by the property owner, is expected to begin cleanup work today. Debris removal activities may also be conducted by National Park Service staff.

The collapse of the house at 23001 G A Kohler Court is the eighth house collapse on Seashore beaches over the past four years, and the third this year. No personal injuries were reported in connection with any of the collapses. Learn more about the threatened oceanfront structures that border the Seashore at: go.nps.gov/cahatos.

Photos taken at the collapse site and along the beach will be uploaded to the Seashore's Flickr page in the coming hours.