Cruise boat catches fire with 89 school children on board

A fire broke out aboard a luxury cruise boat in the US on 7 June, sparking the evacuation of 108 crew and passengers, many of whom were school children.

The fire broke out towards the stern of the Spirit of Norfolk cruise boat on the Elizabeth River near Naval Station Norfolk. The Spirit of Norfolk cruise boat was in the water near Pier 3 with over 100 people on board when the fire erupted.

According to Norfolk Fire-Rescue, no injuries have been reported and all 108 passengers and crew members are accounted for.

According to Maritime Executive, there were 89 school children on board the boat.

The City of Norfolk received a 911 call around midday on 7 June indicating that there was a boat fire at Pier 3 at the Norfolk Naval Base. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and multiple agencies attended the scene.

The passengers were transported onto the Victory Rover and brought back to dock at Town Point Park.

The following video posted on YouTube shows tugs surrounding the cruise boat.

Images courtesy of Norfolk Fire-Rescue