Over 20 Injured as Boat Fire in New York Results in Captain's DWI Charges

A boat outing near City Island in The Bronx ended in chaos and tragedy over the weekend when the vessel caught fire, resulting in injuries to more than 20 people. Authorities say the incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday near the east end of Hart Island, prompting a swift emergency response from marine and rescue units.

The captain of the vessel, identified as Joshua Brito, 33, faces multiple criminal charges including driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment. Officials allege that Brito was operating the boat under the influence at the time of the fiery accident, an act described by first responders as recklessly endangering the lives of his passengers.

Emergency personnel reported that all 22 individuals aboard the boat sustained injuries, with one person listed in critical condition. The sudden blaze forced a frantic escape, with many passengers leaping into the water to save themselves from the spreading flames.

New York City Fire Department’s Marine 4 vessel, conducting a routine patrol in Long Island Sound, was among the first on the scene after spotting the burning boat. Marine units quickly rescued three people directly from the water, while the remaining 19 managed to swim to safety on Hart Island. All survivors were subsequently transported by the Coast Guard, police, and fire department teams to City Island for urgent medical evaluation before being taken to nearby hospitals.

"Marine 4 gave a verbal for a boat fire and multiple people in the water to the Bronx dispatcher," said FDNY Assistant Chief Mike Meyers, who described the tense moments during the rescue. Land units began to respond immediately to City Island to receive patients. "Marine 4 grabbed three people out of the water. At that point, they transported them to one of the docks that was close by, where Engine 70 was waiting and EMS was waiting as well to begin CPR on the victims."

Meyers also highlighted that the vessel appeared to be crowded, noting, "The boat, in order to fit that many people on it, had to be a pretty decent-sized boat." He stated that Marine 4 crews had noticed the boat earlier in the evening due to the large number of passengers on board.

As the investigation continues, officials are working to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether overcrowding or mechanical failure played a role. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired boating and the potential consequences of ignoring safety regulations on the water.