PORTSMOUTH, R.I. -- Investigators are returning to Pirate Cove Marina Thursday morning to determine the cause of a fire that badly damaged two boats docked at the marina Wednesday night, fire officials said.
The boats -- a 25-foot fiberglass powerboat named "Capcity" and a 40-foot diesel wooden boat -- were engulfed when firefighters arrived at Pirate Cove Marina on Point Road just before 8 Wednesday night, Capt. Robert O'Brien said.
A 20-pound propane cylinder stored on the wooden boat did not explode, but gas seeped out, fueling the blaze, O'Brien said.
The boats were removed from the water to prevent sinking.
The fire also damaged the dock. Other boats in the marina were moved to prevent damage, O'Brien said.
Tiverton and Bristol fire and the Coast Guard assisted.