The Tahoe Queen on Jan. 9 is being torn apart. Photo Copyright 2017 Carolyn E. Wright

By Kathryn Reed

The Tahoe Queen is no more.

The paddle-wheeler that sustained extensive fire damage in August was dismantled on Jan. 9.

The engines were salvaged because they were new – part of the remodel that was occurring when the fire engulfed the vessel. Welders and painters had been working in the same area which sparked the blaze.

While the Queen’s home port was Ski Run Marina, it had been docked at Zephyr Cove for a while because of the low lake level. That is where the fire occurred. The boat had remained in the water there until a few days ago when it was brought ashore.

Aramark which operated the Queen and still runs the M.S. Dixie II would only confirm that the damage was too great to salvage the boat.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency issues permits for these vessels and the U.S. Coast Guard regulates them. It is unknown if Aramark will try to launch another boat or if the permit might be transferred to another company.

It’s also unknown what will become of the hull. Those can be repurposed as a barge or have a new boat built on it.

Video by Carolyn E. Wright: