Passenger Ferry Burning, Towed to Norfolk Naval Station, Hampton Roads

Norfolk, Va | 2022-Jun-07

Initial Notification: On June 7, 2022, the NOAA SSC was notified of an engine room fire onboard the SPIRIT OF NORFOLK, a popular passenger ferry utilized for tours and dinners within Hampton Roads. All 108 passengers and crew onboard were evacuated and all persons have been accounted for. Tugs were attempting to extinguish the fire with installed water cannons and it was towed to Norfolk Naval Station. The fire is contained to the engine room and the vessel is currently moored at Pier 4, Norfolk Naval Station. Just before 4pm it was reported that all firefighting personnel have been removed from the vessel as it was listing and is now reported to be sinking at the pier. The USCG requested trajectory for potential spill of 5800 gallons of diesel.