ALTON, New Hampshire: The Dive fire destroyed the floating Lake Winnipesaukee restaurant on Saturday, July 25, but everyone escaped without injury.
New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol received the fire report at 3:39 p.m. The restaurant was open and anchored at the Smalls Cove sandbar in West Alton.
Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said investigators believe the blaze began in the kitchen. However, the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office has not determined the specific ignition source.
Authorities do not consider the fire suspicious. Investigators continue to review videos, interview witnesses and establish how many people were aboard the vessel.
Marine Patrol officers and firefighters from Alton, Gilford, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro responded with fireboats and other equipment. The vessel sustained extensive damage, and officials declared it a total loss, according to CBS News Boston.
The owners said on Facebook that watching the restaurant burn was “absolutely heartbreaking.” They thanked the occupants, emergency crews and nearby boaters who tried to control the flames.
“What matters most” was that everyone reached safety, the owners said. They added that the community and memories created during the business’s nine-year history would remain.
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The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services deployed containment booms around the vessel. Officials said the fire consumed its gasoline, while the diesel tank remained unaffected.
Authorities towed the vessel from the scene. Environmental officials continue to monitor cleanup work around the sandbar, according to WHDH 7News.
