There’s a certain irony in a boat catching fire in the middle of a lake, and unfortunately that’s exactly what happened over the weekend on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. The Dive, a floating bar and restaurant that’s become a summer staple for boaters in the Lakes Region, went up in flames near Smalls Cove while hundreds of people were out on the water enjoying a normal Saturday.
Witnesses reported hearing something like an explosion before smoke started pouring into the sky, stated WMUR-TV. One nearby resident said he initially mistook the smoke for kitchen activity, since restaurants tend to produce a bit of haze when the grill is running hot. It wasn’t until flames started shooting up that it became clear this was something far more serious than an overcooked burger.
Multiple area fire departments and Marine Patrol units responded quickly, racing boats out to the scene to battle the blaze. Given that the entire situation was unfolding on open water, getting equipment to the fire wasn’t as simple as pulling up a truck and hooking to a hydrant. Reports even mention bystanders swimming over with handheld fire extinguishers to help however they could, which says a lot about the community that’s built up around this place.
The good news in all of this is that everybody made it off the boat safely. Property can be replaced. People can’t. That’s really the headline here, even if the visual of a floating restaurant engulfed in flames is the part that’s going to stick in everyone’s minds.
What We Know About the Fire
The Dive is known locally as a popular floating destination where boaters can tie up, grab a drink, and enjoy a meal without ever setting foot on dry land. That popularity is part of why so many people were around to witness the fire firsthand, and why so many boats were nearby when it broke out.
As of now, the cause hasn’t been released, and it sounds like fire officials are still working to piece together exactly what triggered the blaze.
The Owners React
The Dive’s owners posted an emotional statement, saying watching their business burn was heartbreaking and calling it the hardest day of their journey running the place.
They specifically thanked everyone who pitched in to help fight the fire, including those extinguisher-wielding swimmers, and expressed relief that no one was hurt.
Whatever caused this fire, one thing stands out: the response from ordinary boaters who jumped into action rather than just filming from a distance. That kind of quick, hands-on help is what keeps situations like this from becoming even worse.
Our Take
Boats and fire are a rough combination under the best circumstances, and doing it in front of a packed summer crowd makes it worse. We’re glad everyone got out okay, and we hope The Dive finds a way to rebuild.
A cove full of boaters showing up with fire extinguishers instead of just phones is the kind of thing that deserves a mention too.