A dramatic boat explosion off the coast of Miami has left 11 people hospitalised, with eyewitnesses recounting a terrifying scene as passengers were thrown into the sea and the vessel became engulfed in flames.
Mass Casualty Event Declared
Authorities in the United States declared a level two mass casualty event after first responders dispatched over two dozen rescue units to the waters of Biscayne Bay, near the popular Haulover Sandbar. The charter boat, identified as a Press Cruiser 400 Express named Nauti Nabors from Texas, exploded while out on the water.
According to dispatch audio obtained by the Miami Herald, there was initial confusion among rescuers about the number of casualties. A firefighter is heard saying, "They keep coming... we just aren't sure right now." The audio confirmed multiple people suffered burns, with some thrown into the water by the force of the blast and later rescued by fire-crew lifeboats.
Witness Accounts
South Florida boat captain Patrick Lee, who was nearby on a tiki boat, witnessed the explosion. "We saw three people fly out of the boat," he said. Within minutes, the boat was surrounded by flames. Lee described seeing victims with severe burns, attributing the intensity to the boat's fuel. "It is quick, but it's high octane gasoline, and so a lot of them got burnt, and it was an explosion," he stated.
Lee, with over 50 years of boating experience, speculated that the explosion was likely caused by exhaust fans not being turned on, allowing gas fumes to accumulate. When the ignition was engaged, it sparked the blast. "[The captain's] people got on board, he turned the key, didn't open the hatches, and didn't turn on the blowers — he blew people out of the boat," he said, adding that such tragedies are preventable and often stem from a lack of education.
A passenger named Leo, who declined to provide his last name and was uninjured, told the Miami Herald the explosion was caused by a gas leak, calling it "the worst experience of my life."
Response and Investigation
The injured were rushed to nearby fuel docks and transported to trauma centres, including Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Centre and Burn Centre. Some were airlifted. The boat captain escaped unharmed.
Fire and rescue officials issued a statement urging the public to prioritise safety while on the water. "Make sure your vessel is equipped with a working fire extinguisher and all required safety equipment. Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards," the statement read. "Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent emergencies and keep everyone safe."
The cause of the explosion remains under official investigation, with dispatch logs suggesting a possible fuel tank issue.
