Three Good Samaritans Honored for Heroic Efforts Following Boat Explosion
City of Fort Lauderdale Recognizes Courageous Acts
The City of Fort Lauderdale honored three Good Samaritans with the Good Samaritan Award for their heroic efforts following a boat explosion at Lauderdale Marina on December 23. The explosion occurred around 6 p.m. and resulted in one fatality and six injuries.
The Heroes’ Story
Tamer Damiati, an employee of 15th Street Fisheries, Scott Stempkowski, his manager, and Moses Lopez all rushed to help the victims of the boat fire. Damiati, who was serving as a waiter that night, ditched his job description and jumped into action. Lopez was standing next to the boat when it exploded and quickly stepped in to carry an injured woman to safety. Stempkowski’s quick thinking also played a crucial role in saving lives.
Heroic Acts
Damiati recalled the moment the explosion occurred, saying, “It was a very hard moment to be like, ‘OK, listen, I’m gonna go out there and try to save somebody’s life,’ when an explosion just happened.” He and the other heroes rushed to help, despite the danger and chaos.
Lopez described the scene, saying, “A big gash of light just comes my way, and then you just kind of close your eyes and hope for the best.” He carried the injured woman to safety and then began unwinding a full hose to begin putting the fire out before fire officials arrived.
Stempkowski emphasized the importance of their actions, saying, “You had two choices. You either run away or run towards it, and we ran towards it.”
Lessons Learned
The three Good Samaritans hope that this tragic incident serves as a reminder for everyone to always take extra precaution when fueling any vessel.
Conclusion
The City of Fort Lauderdale’s Good Samaritan Award is a well-deserved recognition of the bravery and selflessness displayed by Tamer Damiati, Scott Stempkowski, and Moses Lopez. Their heroic efforts undoubtedly saved lives and properties, and their actions will be remembered for a long time.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the boat explosion?
A: The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Q: How many people were injured in the explosion?
A: Six people were injured in the explosion.
Q: What was the condition of the victim who died?
A: The victim who died was pronounced dead at the scene.
Q: What is the Good Samaritan Award?
A: The Good Samaritan Award is an award given by the City of Fort Lauderdale to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of danger.
