Another beachfront house has collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the 12th home lost since May 2020. Local officials say the region’s fragile coastline continues to present risks for waterfront property owners.
Another beachfront house collapses into the surf on the Outer Banks

Key Takeaways:
- A house in Buxton, North Carolina, fell into the ocean on a Tuesday afternoon
- This incident is the 12th such collapse since May 2020
- The Outer Banks’ vulnerability highlights the ongoing threat of beach erosion
- Local officials, including those in Cape Hatteras, have taken notice
A House Lost to the Surf
The Atlantic Ocean claimed another oceanfront home on North Carolina’s Outer Banks this week. The house, located in Buxton, collapsed into the surf on a Tuesday afternoon, underscoring how local residents and property owners are contending with the region’s shifting shorelines.
A Pattern of Collapses
This recent collapse marks the 12th home to succumb to ocean erosion since May 2020, according to the news feed. Officials and coastal experts continue to monitor the growing toll on local communities as the Atlantic steadily encroaches on beachfront properties.
Vulnerability of the Outer Banks
The stretch of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks is often described as fragile because of persistent erosion and rising waters. Properties built near the shoreline face a high level of risk, and the ongoing losses of homes illustrate the challenges local authorities must grapple with when protecting coastal land.
Local Perspectives and Concerns
An official with the Cape Hatteras area reportedly discussed the latest collapse, though details remain limited. Nonetheless, it is clear that the situation calls for continued attention from residents and environmental stewards. As more structures edge closer to the ocean, the fate of these communities serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power over a changing coastline.