NORFOLK, Va. — A fire that began on the Spirit of Norfolk ship on Tuesday was extinguished Saturday morning, nearly five days after it started.
As of 9:58 a.m. on Saturday, “the fire aboard the vessel was extinguished,” a press release from the Unified Command for the Spirit of Norfolk said.
Crews are currently working on a towing plan to remove the boat from Naval Station Norfolk, according to the press release.
Crews are working to remove water from the ship, conducting final surveys and assessing the ship’s stability to ensure it’s safe to tow. Divers have inspected the hull and sealed off access points so no additional water will enter, the press release said.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The fire broke out on the ship around midday Tuesday. More than 100 passengers were on board, most of them children, who were able to make it off the ship safely. No injuries were reported.
The ship, one of the city’s most iconic attractions, is likely “a loss,” according to the parent company of the ship’s management.
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