More than 100 people were evacuated safely from the Spirit of Norfolk dining cruise on the Elizabeth River near Naval Station Norfolk on June 7, after a fire erupted near the stern of the vessel.
After the incident, a response operation took place that involved commercial tugs and crews from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and local fire departments. No injuries were reported.
According to officials said there were 106 passengers on board, while smoke and flames could be seen from shore at the naval base.
The firefighting effort included two tugboats and firefighting crews from Naval Station Norfolk, U.S. Coast Guard and Norfolk Fire and Rescue. With the fire burning, Spirit of Norfolk was brought alongside Pier 4 at Naval Station Norfolk where firefighting efforts continued through at least late afternoon.
Many of the passengers were evacuated to the Victory Rover cruise vessel, and officials said the fire likely came from the ship’s engine room.
Today Spirit of Norfolk suffered an on board fire while servicing a school group of 89 students. Our on board crew acted swiftly and immediately notified first responders upon notice of the incident and brought all 106 passengers and crew safely ashore
Captain Jennifer Stockwell, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Virginia, said.
#VIDEO: First responders aid in firefighting efforts at Naval Station Norfolk Pier 4 after the Spirit of Norfolk catches on fire Tuesday.
Read more here: https://t.co/FLddCenuAH pic.twitter.com/yASUWFeqxq
— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) June 7, 2022
