RCMP in Selkirk, Man., say they are investigating a suspicious fire on board the MS Lord Selkirk II, a retired passenger ship that has been deteriorating in recent years.

Police say the blaze, which started in the vessel at around 12:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, had consumed the boat's upper deck by the time officers arrived at the park where the boat is based.

Fire crews brought the fire under control within hours.

In a release, RCMP said the fire is suspicious and an investigation is underway. Officials with the provincial fire commissioner's office is at the scene.

Police are asking the public to stay away from the fire scene and to respect the barricades that have been put in place.

Built in 1969 in Selkirk, Man., the 176-foot steel passenger vessel has been owned by various companies and individuals over the years until 2010, when it was slated to be taken apart for scrap.

According to a history website about the MS Lord Selkirk II, the vessel was most recently aground in the Selkirk slough and being readied for its eventual scrapping by its current owners.