Cape Hatteras National Seashore fully reopens Rodanthe beach after last week’s house collapse

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) has reopened the beach from S. Holiday Boulevard to the north end of Ocean Drive in Rodanthe, which means that all temporary closures associated with last week’s home collapse have been lifted.

The unoccupied home at the end of Ocean Drive in Rodanthe collapsed into the ocean at approximately 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, resulting in a multi-pronged effort to remove debris from the adjacent shoreline.

The five-bedroom and 2.5-bathroom home was built in 1970, and had not been occupied for at least two years, according to local residents.

Dozens of CHNS personnel, Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue members, and local volunteers assisted with the cleanup efforts, which began hours after the initial collapse.

“Visitors are still urged to use caution on the beaches and in the water in front of the villages of Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo, due to the potential presence of small amounts of debris,” stated CHNS in a Monday morning update announcing the lifting of the beach closures.

“Seashore employees continue to roam the beaches and collect debris that washes ashore or becomes uncovered. We’re thankful for the assistance we’ve received from Chicamacomico Banks Fire & Rescue and Seashore visitors.”