Coast Guard in Florida investigating reported boat explosion that hospitalized 11 people
A tragic Memorial Day at sea turned into a nightmare for nearly a dozen people in Florida after their boat exploded and burst into flames near Fort Lauderdale. The incident left 13 passengers injured, with 11 individuals, including two children, being hospitalized.
The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion that occurred near the Lauderdale Yacht Club. According to reports, the boat exploded around 5:45 pm near the New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale, resulting in multiple injuries.
Coast Guard officials have deployed multiple agencies to assist in the rescue efforts. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue confirmed that the boat was anchored to a sandbar when someone attempted to start it, leading to the explosion. The chaotic scene left everyone on board in shock, but fortunately, a dog onboard the boat was unharmed.
Ten of the 11 victims were transported to a Miami hospital burn unit for specialized treatment. Clean-up efforts are currently underway, with salvage operations being arranged by the Coast Guard. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation into the incident.
The boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale came shortly after another rescue operation by the Coast Guard, where three boaters were saved from a sinking yacht that caught fire near Palm Beach. Sector Miami issued a warning to mariners about debris in the water following the incident.
Images shared by the Coast Guard showed a large fire engulfing the sinking yacht, with debris scattered in the water. A good Samaritan stepped in to rescue the passengers on board, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
As the investigation into the boat explosion continues, authorities are working diligently to piece together what led to the tragic incident on Memorial Day. The safety of maritime activities remains a top priority for the Coast Guard, as they strive to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
