Eleven people were taken to the hospital on Saturday after a possible boat explosion in Haulover Beach, fire rescue officials said.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, over 25 units, alongside Ocean Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to reports of a possible boat explosion near the Haulover Sandbar.
Fire Rescue said that there were several people who needed treatment in the area, and 11 were taken to the hospital.
Witnesses told NBC6 that the blast knocked several people off the boat and left them with burns.
“And it was an explosion, threw people, we saw people flying out of the boat,” a witness said.
Video at the scene captured a rescue chopper landing in the area.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, over 25 units, alongside Ocean Rescue and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, responded to reports of a possible boat explosion near the Haulover Sandbar.
The conditions of those taken to the hospital were not released.
A marina worker told NBC6 that the explosion happened when the boat’s captain turned on the ignition, and a person on board the boat said there were 14 on the vessel before the explosion, and it could have been caused by a gas leak.
Investigators have not confirmed those details.
NBC6 learned that the boat involved in the incident is a Sea Ray Express Cruiser, and, according to the manufacturer, it can legally hold 10-12 people.
The boat has since been towed away.
Fire officials are providing boaters with tips on how to stay safe.
“So this time of year we have a lot of boats on the water, make sure you have a ready with you life vest, extinguishers in case of fires or explosions like today, and also an experienced boater with you,” said an official.
An investigation into the possible boat explosion is underway.
