Little Rock, Arkansas – A dramatic rescue unfolded Sunday morning at the Little Rock Yacht Club after a heavy snowstorm caused a large awning to collapse onto several houseboats, prompting emergency crews from across the region to respond. Officials say the incident, caused by the combined weight of snow and sleet, forced the evacuation of more than two dozen people and highlighted the ongoing risks of the winter storm sweeping across Arkansas.
According to reports, six individuals were rescued directly from the affected boats, while an additional 22 were safely evacuated from the area. Remarkably, no injuries were reported, despite the dramatic nature of the collapse.
Scott Joblin, Fire Chief of the West Pulaski Fire Department, described the chaotic scene, noting the extreme pressure on the structures. “Only one of the docks had a roof that had collapsed while we were here getting the six people off of those two boats; the roof behind us collapsed, and over the course of the day, it has gotten worse,” Joblin said.
Crews from multiple agencies arrived shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday to assist with the emergency. Alongside the West Pulaski Fire Department, the response included the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, the Little Rock Fire Department, Mims, and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office marine unit. Joblin credited the coordination between teams as crucial to ensuring a safe outcome.
“We had resources coming from the Pulaski County Office of Emergency Management, the Little Rock Fire Department, Mims, as well as the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office marine unit, which was en route as a team that was just another part of the building that collapsed. As a team, we were able to work together along with that duck hunter in order to rescue those people. We had seven volunteers responding here, and we had two more crews on standby if we needed them. But it’s always a team effort when something like this happens,” Joblin said.
This collapse marks a first for the yacht club, though emergency crews have handled other structure failures during the storm. Chief Joblin noted that the ongoing winter conditions have caused multiple non-emergency collapses, including carports, metal barns, and other buildings, emphasizing the unusual strain placed on structures by the heavy snow and ice.
In a remarkable display of community spirit, a local duck hunter also assisted with the rescue. “Pulaski County, I think, has a shine when it comes to helping each other and helping their neighbors out. He did not hesitate at all to jump in and lend a hand. It’s great to see. It kind of warms you up on a cold day like this,” Joblin said.
Boat owners living at the yacht club expressed relief that everyone made it out safely but described the morning as tense and unsettling. One long-time resident explained how they first noticed warning signs as snow accumulated.
“We heard a loud pop, which woke us up. We got up, came outside and found that the fingers had started going underwater. So, we knew that we had to check. So, we did. We came outside and checked, and there was water; all the lines had tightened up, which is not unusual. That does occur sometimes. But as the morning progressed, about 30 minutes later, it just got worse. And so, we decided that we needed to get off the boat and grabbed a few things left,” the owner said.
Another resident reflected on the severity of the storm, recalling decades spent living on a houseboat and never seeing damage of this magnitude.
“So it wasn’t, it wasn’t very much fun. And then this morning, the snow started building up, and we could see there was a danger that it was going to fall. And everybody got everybody off, and there it is. And I lived out here for 22 years on a houseboat. Best time of my life. Moved up to this boat, and guess I’ll get a new boat,” the owner said. Fortunately, both owners have safe accommodations while repairs and assessments take place.
Chief Joblin offered guidance for residents and boat owners to prepare for potential risks during winter storms. He emphasized the dangers of remaining under weakened metal structures and recommended reinforcement or the purchase of sturdier alternatives to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“When it comes to metal structures, it’s not safe to go underneath them, but in the future, you can reinforce them by buying stronger carports and buildings or by reinforcing the existing structure,” Joblin said.
Winter weather continues to impact Arkansas, creating hazardous conditions on roads and delaying emergency responses. City officials urge residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near compromised structures or areas prone to heavy accumulation of snow and ice.
For those living on houseboats or in vulnerable areas, the Little Rock Yacht Club incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate during winter storms. With the cooperation of emergency responders and local volunteers, however, a potentially tragic situation was safely managed, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the Little Rock community.
As snow continues to fall across the region, officials warn that residents should exercise extreme caution, remain indoors when possible, and report any hazardous conditions immediately to local authorities. The West Pulaski Fire Department and its partner agencies continue to monitor at-risk areas and provide support as needed, prioritizing safety for all Arkansans affected by the storm.
