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NORFOLK — What remains of the Spirit of Norfolk after a nearly five-day blaze was towed early Sunday morning to a privately owned shipyard in the historic Berkley section.
The ship was taken along the Norfolk waterfront from Naval Station Norfolk — where crews extinguished the fire — to Colonna’s Shipyard.
The blaze broke out about midday Tuesday when more than 100 passengers were on board — many of them children — but no injuries were reported.
The blaze was extinguished by Saturday morning, according to a news release from the Unified Command for the Spirit of Norfolk. Crews spent the day removing water from what was left of the vessel and ensuring it would be safe to tow.
Investigators say the fire seems to have started in the engine room, but the cause has not been determined. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
The parent company of the ship’s management said Thursday that the boat was likely “a loss.” City Cruises will determine what will happen with the boat and the Coast Guard will continue to monitor the vessel. Any further movement would require approval from the captain of the port.
The ship, built in 1992, was one of the city’s most iconic attractions and hosted many weddings, graduation parties, proms, birthdays and school field trips over the years.
Jessica Nolte, 757-912-1675, jnolte@dailypress.com