A popular cruise ship was destroyed in a fire on Lake George on Monday.
Warren County officials said no injuries were reported aboard The Adirondac, a 115-foot long, 400-seat cruise ship that belongs to Lake George Waterfront Cruises.
Officials said part of the top deck collapsed into the middle floor during the blaze, which started before 6:45 a.m. An eyewitness first reported the fire. The vessel was tied to the dock.
Video showed bright, orange flames and thick, black smoke rising above the boat.
They were able to get the fire mostly contained around 7:20 a.m.
“They got here pretty quick and were able to knock it down pretty quick, but obviously there’s extensive damage to the boat,” Warren County spokesman Don Lehman said, according to WNYT.
Crews, including from the state department of environmental conservation, are working to avoid contaminating the lake with runoff.
Water that is trapped on the boat is being pumped into a large tank to be taken away.
“They are working to contain as much environmental damage as they can,” Lehman said at the scene, according to the Times-Union. “Obviously, there are plastics, chemicals and varnish. It’s not a pretty scene.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation with multiple agencies involved.
The Adirondac — a tourist attraction that normally offers sightseeing cruises, dinner parties and private events — was scheduled to go on holiday-themed cruises throughout December and two New Year’s Day party cruises. It’s been in operation since 2004.
“I’ve spoken to the owner to express my empathy and to offer any services that the village could potentially help out with,” Lake George mayor Ray Perry said. “But we’re happy that no one was injured.”
Under previous ownership, Lake George Waterfront Cruises’ 40-foot Ethan Allen tour boat capsized in 2005, killing 20.
