Spirit of Norfolk Towed to Shipyard After Fire

The passenger vessel Spirit of Norfolk has been towed to the Colonna Shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia, where the investigation into last week’s fire will continue, the U.S. Coast Guard said over the weekend.

The Unified Command responding to the incident confirmed the fire aboard the vessel was extinguished as of 9:58 a.m. Saturday.

Crews completed dewatering efforts, conducted final surveys and assessed the ship’s stability to ensure the vessel was safe to tow. Divers inspected the hull and sealed off access points so no more water would enter. 

As of Sunday morning, Spirit of Norfolk salvage crews completed the tow of the vessel to Colonna’s Shipyard where the joint Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board investigation team will continue to work towards determining the cause of the fire.

The fire on the Spirit of Norfolk started broke out last Tuesday, June 7, as the vessel hosted school group with 89 students on board. The passengers were disembarked to another cruise vessel as commercial, federal and local entities worked to fight the fire, bringing the vessel alongside the pier at Naval Station Norfolk.

Of the 106 people on board at the time, no injuries were reported.

Spirit of Norfolk is operated by City Experiences (City Cruises), part of Hornblower Group.

The Unified Command overseeing the response has stood down. The Coast Guard will continue to maintain oversight and monitor the vessel, which must request permission from the Captain of the Port for any future movement.

City Cruises will work to determine the final disposition of the Spirit of Norfolk.