Tragedy struck the quaint town of Damariscotta, Maine, as the beloved Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina was engulfed by flames early on Sunday morning, leading to a total loss of the establishment during the bustling Labor Day weekend. As reported by NBC Boston, the fire began in the early hours and no injuries were reported, with the cause still under investigation. Schooner Landing, known for its serene riverside dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating and live music, drew locals and tourists alike to the heart of Damariscotta's downtown.
Despite the significant challenges faced by the wind that blew towards them, six fire departments were able to contain the fire, a detail shared by Damariscotta's Fire Chief John Roberts in an interview with NEWS CENTER Maine. Several individuals who were sleeping on boats docked at the marina were safely assisted away from the danger zone, though there has been no word yet on any damage to the marina facilities or the oyster farms relying on its waters.
Main Street, which had been closed from the Damariscotta/Newcastle bridge to the Bristol Road intersection due to the emergency response, was later reopened, according to local police statements. The swift response by first responders was commended by the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce which expressed gratitude on social media towards the six responding fire departments—Damariscotta, Newcastle, Bristol, Bremen, Waldoboro, and Nobleboro—as well as county officials.
The storied Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina sat at 47 Main St., a site steeped in history since the establishment of Cottrill’s Wharf in the late 1700s, and evolved over time to become not only a vital cargo transfer hub for vessels but also a cherished destination for both tourists and locals, fostering its dual identity as a tourist hotspot and working waterfront, an identity that was captured and celebrated on their website.
