A 16-year-old British cheerleader has died after the tourist boat she was on caught fire and exploded in the Caribbean.
Tragedy off Bayahibe Beach
Abbie Lainton, from Swindon, was critically injured on July 27 off the coast of the Dominican Republic when the vessel went up in flames. Her two siblings were also hurt.
Jose Lopez, director of the private Central Romana Medical Centre where 16 victims from the fire were taken, told local press shortly before her death that a British tourist was among four people in intensive care who had suffered 60 per cent burns.
He said plans were being put in place to fly the UK national, who was not named but is thought to have been Abbie, back home in an air ambulance.
Other victims and response
The other three people in intensive care at the time were identified as the ship’s captain, an assistant and a tour guide. Mr Lopez, speaking of the foreigners taken to hospital, said: “Apart from the three Dominicans, the victims were Canadian, English, German, Puerto Rican and a Uruguayan couple. All have responded positively.”
Another seven people were taken to a second nearby hospital but staff there confirmed late yesterday all had survived. Footage from the scene showed a huge plume of smoke rising into the air as victims who had been brought ashore received medical assistance for injuries which included burns, cuts and broken bones.
Witnesses said several tourists had jumped into the sea but despite reports some had gone missing, all those on board were subsequently accounted for.
Investigation and tributes
The drama occurred off a white sand beach called Bayahibe Beach by a small town of the same name. An investigation into the explosion and subsequent fire was launched. The cause remains unclear.
A GoFundMe appeal in Abbie’s memory has already raised £21,000 of its £30,000 target. Organiser Becky Jameson wrote: “On 30th July 2026, Abbie Lainton tragically lost her life in a terrible accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic.
“Abbie had her whole life ahead of her. She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results. She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her. This page has been set up to support the family through this unimaginable time. For Abbie. Forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.”
Abbie’s former school Tanwood School for Performing Arts also honoured her. A spokesperson said: “Abbie joined Tanwood as a dinky dot and was part of an exceptional group of dancers who formed strong friendships which spilled over to the audience when they performed together.
“She always performed with a huge smile, and those beautiful feet. We are all in complete shock at this heartbreaking news and send so much love and support to her family and friends at this unimaginable time. You will always be in our hearts.”
Abbie joined Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club at a later date where she excelled and took part in competitions around the world. The club invited people to come together and remember Abbie.
A spokesperson for the club said: “There are simply no words that feel enough. Abbie was a much-loved member of our Swindon Lightning family.
“Her kindness, infectious smile, unwavering encouragement and love for cheerleading touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and families over the years. She brought so much light to our gym, and her loss has left us all heartbroken.”
