Emergency services responded to a large vessel fire at the Kingston Marina early Monday morning and, after extinguishing the blaze, located the body of an unidentified person in the wreckage, police said.
Fire at MetalCraft Marine
Kingston Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to MetalCraft Marine on Wellington Street at about 2:30 a.m. on Monday, where a sizeable boat in dry dock was found fully engulfed, according to a media report. Firefighters brought the flames under control by about 4:15 a.m., but not before nearby trees also caught fire.
The remains of the vessel were searched after the blaze was extinguished and investigators discovered the body of an individual whose identity has not been determined. Kingston Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office have taken carriage of the investigation into both the cause of the fire and the identity and circumstances surrounding the deceased.
Investigative steps and appeal to the public
Authorities have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or security-camera footage of the scene to contact Kingston Police. The department provided a central phone number and two email contacts for information:
- Phone: 613-549-4660 ext. 0
- Email: bwatt@kingstonpolice.ca
- Email: mbouwers@kingstonpolice.ca
Kingston Police and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire and the identity of the deceased. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the fire or has dashcam/security video of the scene to contact Kingston Police.
Local context and impacts
The blaze occurred at a commercial marine facility on Wellington Street near the Kingston Marina, a working waterfront area that includes boat builders, marine services and mooring facilities. MetalCraft Marine is a known local shipbuilder and employer; while the reporting does not indicate damage to other buildings at the site, fires at dry-docked boats can produce intense heat and heavy smoke that threaten nearby structures and vegetation.
Residents in neighbouring waterfront communities may have noticed smoke or responded to the emergency call, and boating operators will be watching for the outcome of the investigation. The involvement of the Ontario Fire Marshal signals that investigators will be examining the scene for possible causes beyond an accident, including electrical faults, accelerants, or criminal activity. However, no determination has yet been released.
What we know: timeline and facts
| Event | Time / detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency call / arrival | About 2:30 a.m., Monday — MetalCraft Marine, Wellington St. |
| Fire extinguished | Approximately 4:15 a.m. |
| Victim discovered | Body found inside the burned vessel during scene search |
| Investigating authorities | Kingston Police and Ontario Fire Marshal's Office |
At this stage, officials have not released the identity of the deceased, the person’s age or gender, nor have they disclosed a cause of death. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
How neighbours can help
- Check home security and dash-cam footage between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Monday for any relevant images.
- Contact Kingston Police if you saw the boat, people around the dry dock, or any suspicious activity before, during or after the fire.
- Avoid sharing unverified images or speculation on social media while investigators work.
Further updates are expected as the Ontario Fire Marshal and Kingston Police continue their work. Anyone with information is asked to call 613-549-4660 ext. 0 or email bwatt@kingstonpolice.ca or mbouwers@kingstonpolice.ca.
Photo credit on initial report: Ken Hashizume.
