A boat explosion near the Haulover Sandbar in North Miami Beach, Florida, on Saturday has sent at least 11 people to the hospital, prompting officials to declare a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident.
The cause of the blast, which occurred on a charter boat carrying approximately 14 people, remains under investigation.
Incident Details
The explosion was reported at approximately 12:45 p.m. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) responded with over 25 units, including Fireboat 21 and Ocean Rescue units. Partner agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the United States Coast Guard, also assisted at the scene.
MDFR Battalion Chief Juan Arias stated the initial call was for a "possible boat explosion on the water." The response was upgraded to a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident due to the number of patients and the significant resources required. According to reports from NBC 6 South Florida, the blast occurred on a charter boat.
Casualties
Eleven patients were transported to a local hospital. Reported injuries include burns and traumatic injuries. The specific conditions of the victims have not been released.
Eyewitness Accounts
Two individuals provided similar accounts of the event. A local boat charter operator, identified in different reports as Robert Lee and Patrick Lee, was transporting people to another vessel when the explosion occurred. He reported seeing three people propelled from the vessel by the force of the blast.
Investigation
The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed by officials. The FWC is leading the investigation. An unconfirmed theory from a witness suggested the explosion resulted from the ignition of gasoline fumes.
Official Safety Statements
In a news release following the incident, MDFR advised boaters to ensure their vessels are equipped with working fire extinguishers and required safety equipment, and to perform thorough safety checks before departure. Battalion Chief Arias also advised boaters to carry radios and life vests, and to have an experienced captain aboard.
Background
The Haulover Sandbar is a shallow-water area popular with boaters and visitors.