Introduction to the Tragedy
Cassandra Rivera remembers every detail of the Memorial Day boat ride that led her and her two young sons to be hospitalized with severe burns after the boat burst into flames.
“I was giving my little one, Kash, water, and he looked at me and said ‘Mommy, I think something bad is going to happen,’” she said. “All I could hear on the other side [of the boat] was my husband screaming ‘I smell fuel, I smell fuel. Please stop!”
The Explosion and Its Aftermath
A few moments later, the 39-foot Sea Ray exploded in the Intracoastal Waterway off Fort Lauderdale, sending 11 of the 15 passengers on board to the hospital. The boat’s operator, 29-year-old Joshua Fifi, died in the hospital days later.
Survivor’s Account
On Wednesday, two weeks after the tragedy, Rivera spoke about the boat explosion at a news conference at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she and her children have been treated.
The Incident’s Impact
For the full story, please visit miamiherald.com
Conclusion
The boat explosion off Fort Lauderdale serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of accidents and the importance of safety measures. The tragedy has left a family and a community in shock, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness to prevent such incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What caused the boat explosion?
A: The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but the smell of fuel was reported by the husband before the incident.
Q: How many people were injured in the explosion?
A: 11 out of 15 passengers were hospitalized with severe burns.
Q: What happened to the boat’s operator?
A: The boat’s operator, 29-year-old Joshua Fifi, died in the hospital days later.
Q: Where can I find more information about the incident?
A: For the full story, please visit miamiherald.com
