Sürther Bootshaus houseboat restaurant destroyed by fire in Cologne

A major fire has destroyed the Sürther Bootshaus, a popular houseboat restaurant located in Cologne, Germany. The blaze broke out on August 4, with flames quickly consuming the entire roof. The establishment, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and functions as a wedding venue, sits directly on the Rhine.

Leaseholder and chef Jörg Blöck and three employees managed to escape the vessel safely without injuries. Despite attempts to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, approximately 100 firefighters were required to combat the flames. Although the structure is heavily damaged, the operators have expressed their intention to rebuild.