Boat Fire at Fort Lauderdale Marina Leaves One Dead, Multiple Injured
Multiple Boats Catch Fire
A pair of boats erupted in flames at a Fort Lauderdale marina on Monday evening, leaving one person dead and multiple others injured. The incident occurred at 1900 SE 15th Street, where the Lauderdale Marina is located.
Initial Response and Injuries
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m. after receiving numerous calls reporting a boat on fire. Deputy Chief Garret Pingol described the scene as "a boat explodes. There’s a boat on fire and there were people on the water."
The boat fire injured multiple people and spread to a second vessel. Five victims were transported to local hospitals, three of whom suffered traumatic injuries and were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center. The condition of the injured individuals remains unclear.
Search for Missing Person
A video taken by witnesses shows the massive flames and chaos that ensued after the boat exploded. In Earthcam video, it appears a sixth person slipped into the water as the fire raged, prompting an all-hands-on approach to find them. Multiple dive teams from the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue were deployed to search for the missing person.
Body Found
On Monday night, officials announced that the male victim who had been missing in the water was found dead by dive crews. The man’s identity has not been released.
Cause of the Fire Under Investigation
The fire has been extinguished, and an investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway. The dock where the fire occurred is known as a refueling station, and a similar fire broke out on the dock earlier this month.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described the blast as shocking and chaotic. "It was like a boom, kind of, and I turned around and the whole dock was already on fire," said one witness. Another witness described the sound of the explosion as "loud" and "crazy."
Conclusion
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and emergency preparedness in the marina community. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those affected by the fire.
FAQs
Q: What caused the boat fire?
A: The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Q: How many people were injured?
A: Multiple people were injured, with five transported to local hospitals.
Q: Was anyone rescued from the water?
A: A sixth person was reported missing in the water, but their body was later found by dive crews.
Q: Is the marina still open?
A: The marina is still operational, but an investigation is ongoing.
