Name Genève Recommissioned 1934 Launched 1896 Weight 334 tons | Namesake Geneva Decommissioned 1973 Length 63 m Builder Sulzer | |
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Owner Association pour le Bateau Genève Operator Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman | ||
MS Genève is the oldest paddle ship of Lake Geneva.
Genève was built in 1896 by Sulzer for the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN). It was launched for the Swiss national exhibition in Geneva.
Genève was the scene of the assassination of Elisabeth of Bavaria on 10 September 1898. Elizabeth was stabbed just before boarding the vessel in Geneva to travel to Montreux. The wounded Empress, came on board and the boat departed. But her condition was soon seen to be life-threatening, and Genève turned around to return her to the Hôtel Beau-Rivage, where she died shortly afterwards.
On 3 May 1928, near Pully, Genève collided with the Rhône. The left anchor of Genève became entangled into the rigging of the Rhône, breaking its bowsprit and figurehead, and snapping the top of the foremast. A passenger was killed by a falling piece of the foremast.
In 1934, Genève went under a refit, where its steam machinery was replaced with diesel engines. It was the first CGN ship to be converted to diesel.
In 1973, Genève was taken out of commission and sold for scrap. The next year, it was purchased by an "Association pour le Bateau Genève" for 75 000 CHF, and moored at Eaux-Vives dock. It is now unserviceable, but still afloat. During the summer months, the vessel is used as a restaurant, the Buvette du Bateau.
The name Genève was taken by a CGN swift boat on 31 October 2007.