Newspapers in Germany are reporting that a fire erupted yesterday aboard the MS Gerard Schmitter river cruise ship while it was sailing from Amsterdam to Strasborg, France.

The cruise ship was approaching Krefeld, Germany when the fire broke out and produced heavy smoke. Fortunately, the cruise ship was preparing to berth at a dock in Krefeld when the fire started. The city fire’s department responded and extinguished the fire. 

154 passengers and 34 crew members were evacuated ashore. One passenger and one crewmember required medical treatment.

The fire was apparently caused by an electrical failure.

The river cruise ship is operated by CroisiEurope. 

SeaTrade reports that the Gerard Schmitter was christened on April 10, 2012 and has been in service for a little over two months.  The vessel was named after the founder of CroisiEurope, Gerard Schmitter, who died in February. 

Photo credit: AP via Berliner Kurier newspaper