73 °F Ocean City, US
September 9, 2026

Probe begins into Castaway Cove fire

OCEAN CITY – Personnel from multiple agencies will be in Ocean City this week as the investigation into the Jan. 30 fire at Playland’s Castaway Cove continues, according to Doug Bergen, public information officer for Ocean City.

On Wednesday afternoon, he said agencies involved in the investigation include the Ocean City Fire department Investigation Unit, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office. Because of the size of the estimated loss, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team has also been activated. 

The mast on the pirate ship that advertised Playland’s Castaway Cove burns Saturday morning during a blaze that destroyed the office and arcade part of the park. (Photo by Michael DiFebbo Photography

At this time, the investigation is still in the preliminary stages as investigators work to determine the origin and cause of the fire, Bergen wrote.

“There is no need for public alarm. Please do not enter the premises of Castaway Cove during the investigation,” he added. 

Anyone who has additional information relating to this investigation is urged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135, the Ocean City Police Department at (609) 399-9111, or report it anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, 609-889-3597.

An Ocean City firefighter looks over boardwalk storefronts to assess the blaze at Playland’s Castaway Cove Saturday morning. (Photo by Michael DiFebbo Photography)

Related articles

After 2-week delay, legal services contract approved

Solicitor’s firm given contract; FIT president says she shouldn’t have two roles By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff OCEAN CITY – Two weeks after a debate erupted at Ocean City Council after Councilman Michael DeVlieger pushed to have a contract for the city solicitor’s firm pulled from the agenda and tabled, council approved the contract unanimously Thursday, […]

Memorial services Monday for OCHS grad Carling Mott

‘Kind-hearted, great kid’ died in a bicycle accident in NYC OCEAN CITY – A memorial service for 2012 Ocean City High School graduate Carling Mott will be at noon Monday, Aug. 1, at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, with calling hours from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The daughter of James […]