—
Tragedy Strikes as Cape May’s Largest Restaurant Catches Fire, Killing 3 Baseball Players
Cape May, NJ – May 8, 2025 — A devastating fire tore through Cape May’s largest restaurant late Wednesday evening, killing three visiting baseball players and injuring several others, authorities confirmed early Thursday.
The blaze erupted around 9:45 p.m. at The Mariner’s Table, a popular waterfront eatery known for its historic charm and expansive dining space. Eyewitnesses reported seeing heavy smoke and flames shooting from the second floor shortly after the fire began.
Cape May Fire Department responded within minutes, but strong winds and the restaurant’s wooden interior allowed the fire to spread rapidly. It took more than three hours to bring the inferno under control.
Cape May Police Chief Robert Hill identified the victims as members of a minor league baseball team who had been dining together following a local charity game. Their names are being withheld pending notification of family members.
“This is one of the most tragic incidents we’ve seen in years,” Chief Hill said during a press briefing. “Our hearts go out to the families of the young men who lost their lives.”
At least six other patrons were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries at Cape Regional Medical Center. The cause of the fire is under investigation, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of an electrical malfunction in the kitchen area.
The Mariner’s Table, a Cape May landmark for over 40 years, has hosted generations of locals and tourists alike. It is now considered a total loss.
City officials say grief counselors and support services will be made available to the baseball team and community members affected by the tragedy.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.
—
Would you like a version formatted for a specific news outlet or publication style?
Leave a Reply