Deluge

The Deluge is a historic fireboat that served at the New Orleans waterfront, equipped with powerful pumps and firefighting gear to battle blazes on vessels and docks. Its structure includes a pilot house, engine room, and deck space arranged to maximize water delivery from its fire cannons and hoses.

The vessel was constructed in 1923 by a local shipbuilder and became essential to the port's fire response for decades. It received National Historic Landmark designation in 1989 due to its significance in maritime firefighting history.

This vessel embodies the firefighting traditions that shaped New Orleans' relationship with its waterfront and river commerce. It stands as a reminder of the workers who dedicated themselves to protecting the port community.

The vessel is moored at the New Orleans waterfront and can be viewed from the dock area, allowing visitors to see its sturdy construction and deck equipment up close. A calm day makes it easier to observe the details of the hull and superstructure without obstruction.

The vessel played a central role in one of the port's most dramatic fire emergencies when an oil barge caught fire in 1950, creating a towering blaze across the water. This remarkable response helped establish the boat as a protected landmark of historic importance.