What follows is an edited selection of reader comments from the Gazette Web site on the Menemsha fire.

We are weekend summer residents in the Lobsterville area, on Harpoon Hollow. I returned home from my office last evening here in Connecticut only to hear my wife crying softly. All she could do was take me to her computer and click on the WBZ footage . . . We were married in Gay Head, had our reception at the Beach Plum Inn, wedding pictures down at the dock and on the Lobsterville side. The distinctive red roof of the boat house is in the background of many of our wedding photos. My wife excitedly pointed to it when our summer guests softly asked, “So where’s Menemsha?” We would then pile into our old creaky Land Rover and head to the bike ferry. Some of our finest and dearest memories are there, in that simple spit of coast and land.

We only hope beyond hope that the Coast Guard will rebuild her to exacting specifications. She was and hopefully will be restored to the prominent landmark of our beloved little harbor. Stay strong and let’s start the rebuilding process!

Martin Weiss

Aquinnah and

Woodstock, Conn.

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I was officer-in-charge of the Menemsha station from 1954 to 1958.

It was a sad sight to see any scenes like this. I wish all the best to the crew. This makes more hard work for all members.

Chief, keep your chin up, better days are ahead. From an old chief who shares your headaches.

Maurice C. Poulin

Master Chief USCG Retired

Nahant

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Today I saw the headline “Chaos in Menemsha.” From everything I’ve heard it was anything but. It was from what I understand a proud moment for the Island’s emergency fire and rescue crews.

It seemed rather well coordinated. It couldn’t have been easy to get people out and rescue vehicles and personnel into that congested area. They did it and no one was hurt. I’d call that success.

Jessica Burnham

Edgartown