Press "Enter" to skip to content

Two die in Urbanna marina fire

Two people died in an early morning fire Monday at Dozier’s Port Urbanna Town Center Marina. In addition, the marina’s main boathouse was destroyed, along with 21 boats and two cars, while some boats and other structures at the nearby old Texaco Oil dock were damaged. A criminal investigation is underway.

According to a press release from the Virginia State Police, the fire began around 4:30 a.m. and quickly spread, consuming a boathouse and storage facility. The victims are Francis Xavier Blantz, 75, and Julia J. Blantz, 65, of the 200 block of Marston Avenue, Urbanna, according to Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police.

Fourteen volunteer fire departments from around the region responded to assist Middlesex County Fire and Rescue with containing the blaze, said the press release. The fire was under control by 8:30 a.m.

Search and recovery divers with the Virginia State Police, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and U.S. Coast Guard checked one submerged bo...

To view the rest of this article, you must log in. If you do not have an account with us, please subscribe here.