News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore begins cleanup of unoccupied fallen house in Rodanthe

Photo of the collapsed house at 24131 Ocean Drive, Rodanthe.

NPS

News Release Date: May 28, 2024

Contact: Mike Barber, 252-475-9032

MANTEO, N.C. — Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is beginning cleanup activities at the site of an unoccupied house collapse at 24131 Ocean Drive in Rodanthe, North Carolina. The house likely collapsed around 2:30 a.m. this morning, May 28.

To help ensure the safety of visitors and allow for cleanup activities to occur, an approximately one-mile section of beach is closed from Sea Haven Drive to South Shore Drive. Due to the direction that the debris is expected to drift, visitors are urged to avoid the beaches north of Sea Haven Drive into the southern portion of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Dangerous debris may be present on the beach and in the water. Additional beach closures may be necessary as the debris spreads and cleanup efforts proceed.

The Seashore anticipates the arrival of a debris removal contractor, hired by the property owner, to arrive this afternoon.

This morning’s unfortunate collapse of the house at 24131 Ocean Drive is the sixth house collapse on Seashore beaches over the past four years. Learn more about the threatened oceanfront structures that border the Seashore at: go.nps.gov/cahatos.