Multiple Hospitalizations in Florida as Coast Guard Responds to Holiday Boating Incidents
Memorial Day boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale injures nearly a dozen, including children, amid recent yacht fires in Florida.
A Memorial Day boating excursion in Fort Lauderdale took a tragic turn after a vessel exploded and burst into flames near the Lauderdale Yacht Club, sending nearly a dozen people to the hospital. Authorities reported that 13 people were on board when the explosion occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Monday evening, transforming a holiday outing into a scene of chaos and urgency.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, multiple agencies responded to the emergency following reports that a boat had detonated while anchored at a sandbar. A spokesperson from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue stated, "The boat was anchored to a sandbar and when someone went to start it, for reasons unknown, it exploded when they tried to start it." The official described the aftermath as "a pretty chaotic scene," with first responders rushing to treat victims and contain the situation.
Authorities confirmed that 11 individuals—including two children—were hospitalized after the incident. Of these, 10 were taken to a specialized burn unit in Miami due to the seriousness of their injuries. Despite the violence of the explosion, a dog aboard the vessel emerged unscathed.
Witnesses in the area described hearing a "loud sound" at the time of the explosion, although no smoke was initially visible from inside the nearby yacht club. Cleanup operations began shortly after the incident, with officials working to secure the site and arrange for the salvage of the damaged boat.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has warned mariners in the region to be alert for debris in local waterways following the blast.
The Fort Lauderdale explosion came just hours after another maritime emergency off Florida’s coast. In a separate incident near Jupiter Inlet, three boaters were rescued by a good Samaritan after their 48-foot yacht caught fire and sank. The Coast Guard shared images of the burning vessel and noted that none of the passengers were injured in this second incident, though the cause of that fire is also under investigation.
As authorities continue their inquiries, the string of maritime accidents serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers on the water, especially during busy holiday weekends. Rescue officials are urging boaters to exercise caution and ensure all safety protocols are followed when venturing out.
