According to USA TODAY, the yacht explosion occurred at about 12:48 pm on May 9 in the Haulover beach area off Miami, Florida (USA). Miami-Dade fire and rescue forces received a report of an underwater explosion and quickly dispatched forces to the scene.
Upon arrival, rescue teams discovered many injured people on the boat. At least 15 victims were given first aid on the spot before being transferred to hospitals in the area.
Mr. Juan Arias - Head of the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Battalion said that some victims were burned, but the specific extent of injuries has not been announced. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Mr. Patrick Lee - captain of a rental ship near the scene recounted that the moment the boat exploded caused many people to be thrown into the water.
I saw three people blown off the boat after the explosion," Lee said.
According to this witness, the cause may be related to gasoline vapor accumulating in the boat's hold. Mr. Lee said that the vehicle driver started the engine without opening the engine room door or turning on the ventilation system to push the fuel vapor out.
As soon as everyone got on the boat, the driver turned on the key but did not open the tunnel door, nor turned on the ventilation fan, and the explosion threw everyone off the boat," Mr. Lee recounted.
Other witnesses said that rescue forces arrived just minutes after the incident occurred. Many burned passengers were carried on stretchers and taken to the emergency room.
I saw many people with burns all over their bodies. Everything happened too fast. It's high octane gasoline," Lee added.
According to CBS12, more than 25 units from four agencies participated in the rescue, including local firefighters, marine rescue teams, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Board, and the US Coast Guard.
After the incident, local authorities also advised people to strictly comply with safety measures when using boats, especially at a time when the number of vehicles operating at sea is increasing.
Boat riders should bring walkie-talkies, life jackets, fire extinguishers and it is best to have an experienced boatman with them," Mr. Arias advised.
