A beachfront stilt home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 12th such incident in the past five years. The unoccupied two-story house in Buxton, located on Hatteras Island, succumbed to erosion and the effects of Hurricane Erin, littering the beach with debris.
Key Takeaways
- A beachfront stilt home in Buxton, North Carolina, collapsed into the surf on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
- This marks the 12th house to be claimed by the Atlantic Ocean due to erosion in the past five years.
- The house was unoccupied at the time of the collapse.
- Erosion in the Buxton area has significantly increased in recent years, exacerbated by Hurricane Erin.
- The collapse occurred near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which was moved inland in 1999 to combat erosion.
Latest Collapse Adds to Growing Trend
The latest incident involved a two-story, wood-shingled home situated at the north end of Hatteras Island. Cape Hatteras National Seashore spokesman Mike Barber confirmed the house was unoccupied and that seashore staff, along with a contractor hired by the homeowner, are working to clean up the debris. This event follows a pattern of similar collapses, with the previous 11 occurring in the village of Rodanthe.
Factors Contributing to Erosion
Dare County Planning Director Noah Gillman attributed the increased erosion in Buxton to a combination of factors over the past couple of years, intensified by Hurricane Erin. He noted that the area has seen significantly increased erosion, leading to the current situation. In late August, approximately three dozen structures, including parts of two hotels along the same beach, were decertified for occupancy due to damage to septic systems and external stairs, a consequence of the storm’s impact.
Historical Context and Coastal Challenges
The location of the latest collapse is less than a mile from the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This landmark itself was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to protect it from the relentless effects of coastal erosion. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by coastal communities in North Carolina, where natural forces continually reshape the shoreline. Experts point to factors such as the state’s ban on hardened structures like jetties and groins, and limited beach nourishment projects, as contributing to the vulnerability of its coastline.
Sources
- West Kentucky Star – News, West Kentucky Star.
- Another One Bites the Sand: Outer Banks Home Collapses into Surf, SURFER Magazine.
- Another beachfront stilt house collapses into the surf on the Outer Banks | National, New Castle News.
- Beachfront stilt house collapses into ocean surf – Daily Journal of Commerce, Daily Journal of Commerce.
- Another beachfront stilt house collapses into the surf on the Outer Banks, ABC News.
