No injuries after alleged kitchen fire destroys The Dive, not considered suspicious

ALTON — The Lakes Region’s iconic floating bar and restaurant, The Dive, burned in a fire Saturday, the popular spot considered a total loss. The fire is under investigation. There were no injuries, and all patrons and staff made it off safely.

While anchored at the Small Coves sandbar, at 3:39 p.m. on July 25, a fire broke out, believed to have started in the kitchen area of the vessel.

“Marine Patrol Officers and firefighters from Alton, Gilford, Tuftonboro, and Wolfeboro responded with various resources, including fireboats, and ultimately helped knock down the flames,” according to a press release from the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

Owners Betsy Sullivan, Jamie Merriam and Lee Mills are cooperating fully with the fire investigation. The fire is not considered suspicious. A total loss, the barge was towed from the scene.

Investigators are working to determine the number of people onboard when the fire broke out, and reviewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses.

“Anyone who was on board The Dive at the time of the fire and has not already spoken with investigators should contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov,” states the release.

A retired firefighter jumped into action on Saturday, going aboard the ship to alert the staff and patrons to the fire, after heavy smoke was coming from a kitchen vent.

Nearby boats surrounded the floating restaurant. Fire extinguishers were passed to those aboard to thwart the flames, some swimming to the barge with extinguishers to help.

According to McKayla Bond, assistant manager at The Dive on a fundraising page, rescue efforts were immediate, and focused on guest safety.

“Together — with virtually no time to communicate — we did everything we could in an impossible situation. Thanks to the incredibly fast actions of the employees, along with several courageous guests who stepped in to help, every single person made it off the boat safely. It was the hardest thing any of us have ever had to do on the clock, and every decision we made was centered around protecting the people on board.”

State Department of Environmental Services staff also responded to the incident, to verify booms had been deployed around the vessel to stop pollution and debris from spreading into the water.

Gasoline onboard was consumed in the fire, according to the release, and the diesel tank remained unaffected. DES staff will continue to monitor the site.

The owners posted on Facebook: “Today has been the hardest day in our journey. Watching The Dive burn was absolutely heartbreaking, and we are devastated by this loss. What matters most, though, is that every single person made it off safely. For that, we are incredibly grateful. We also want to thank the true heroes who jumped into action. To those onboard who fought the fire, and to the many people who swam over with their own fire extinguishers to help save The Dive — you showed incredible courage and selflessness. We will never forget your efforts. The outpouring of love, support, and prayers we’ve already received has meant more to us than words can express. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

“The Dive may be gone, but the amazing community around it is stronger than ever and the memories and the wonderful people & friends we have met through these 9 years we will always cherish. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Two fundraisers were started to support the staff and owners, as the fire occurred in the peak of the summer season. One, started by Bond, supports the staff, who are now without jobs, and the owners, who watched their livelihood go down in flames.

“While everyone made it off the boat, much of what made The Dive run did not. Business equipment, inventory, supplies, some of our personal belongings, and the cash tips that remained on board were all lost in the fire,” reads the GoFundMe description. “Even so, as we stood there watching The Dive burn, the first words Betsy said to all of us were, ‘I’m so sorry.’ Even as she watched nine years of hard work go up in flames, her first concern was for her employees. That’s who Jamie and Betsy are.”

As of press time, the fundraiser had netted $6,430, with 63 donations. Learn more at gofundme.com/f/support-the-dive. 

A second fundraiser by the Greg Hill Foundation is trying to raise $8,000 for the staff.

“The devastating fire at The Dive didn't just destroy a beloved floating bar and restaurant on Lake Winnipesaukee, it changed the lives of the people who made it special. While everyone on board escaped safely and no injuries were reported, the hardworking staff are facing an uncertain future as they cope with the sudden loss of their jobs. Every donation will help provide financial relief as they navigate the uncertainty during this difficult time,” reads the fundraising page, which garnered $2,775 as of press time. Learn more at support.thegreghillfoundation.org/campaign/826378/donate. 

The Dive’s Facebook post about the fire earned a lot of engagement, with more than 5,500 people interacting with it, and over 500 comments. All of the comments supported rebuilding.

“We have only experienced the lake the past 2 years. Your vision of a floating bar was an amazing experience we were lucky enough to try. Happy to hear that everyone is ok and we hope to see this vision rebuilt again. The loss is heartbreaking but the memories made for so many is priceless. Hopefully you can find comfort in that,” wrote Paolo Cresta.

Erica Della Marchione agreed.

“So sorry this happened to you ! Such a unique idea - made it there once and loved it. Hope it’s able to come back. Glad everyone was safe and good luck hope it returns!”

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.the dive