Fort Lauderdale, FL — On Memorial Day afternoon, things went crazy near the New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale when a boat suddenly burst, hurting 11 people, two of them children. Monday at 5:45 p.m., the event happened not far from the Lauderdale Yacht Club and shocked families and other people nearby.
The U.S. Coast Guard says that thirteen people were on board when the blast came through the boat. Many emergency services, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Broward Sheriff’s Office, rushed to the scene to help the victims.
#BREAKING Reportedly, a vessel exploded around 5:45 pm w/ 13 ppl aboard, Mon. near the New River Triangle, Ft. Lauderdale. Multiple injuries reported. @browardsheriff, @MyFWC, @USCG Sta. Ft. Lauderdale & AirSta Miami rescued & transferred the 13 ppl to EMS. Investigation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/n7nq77tskZ— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) May 26, 2025
Explosion at the Sandbar All of a sudden
The boat was anchored near a famous sandbar close to 9th Street when an explosion happened, sending flames and debris flying. The cause of the explosion is still being looked into. “We don’t know why, but a boat blew up, throwing people into the water,” said Frank Guzman, director for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. “Good Samaritans jumped in right away to save those who were thrown overboard.”
Online surveillance video shows the scary moment when the fireball went off, showing people desperately trying to get to safety by jumping into the water to get away from the flames.
Accidents and hospital stays
Eleven people, two of whom were children, were taken to Broward Health Medical Centre at first. A lot of people got badly burned, and some of the burns covered big parts of their bodies. After that, a number of patients were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s burn unit for more advanced care.
The hospital said it had received a total of 10 patients, with eight people in good condition and two children in fair condition. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, one adult patient needed to be intubated.
Antonio Rivero, 32, was hurt. He was on board with his family when the blast happened. He told them, “We were trying to fill up the boat with gas when a spark set off a gas leak.” Rivero got burned on the arm, but thankfully his wife Cassandra and their two kids were safe even though they were in the hospital.
Rivero said, “It was really bad.” “The blast took off one guy’s trousers.”
Heroic Rescues in the Middle of Chaos
A lot of people who were near the beach said they ran to help. Bret Triano and Marisa Toomesn were among the people who pulled people from the water and described very scary scenes.
People started to fall off the boat when there was a big flame, Triano said. “We did our best to help everyone.” One of the people they saved was badly burned and begged for water and help.
She remembered that he kept saying, “Save me, please don’t let me die. I’m so hot, I need water.”
Some people in the area helped get the injured to the boat club docks, where medical help was waiting.
Rescue Work and an Investigation
Along with the hurt people, crews also saved a dog that was on the boat, thankfully without any harm.
The cause of the blast is now being looked into by officials. There are fire inspectors and people from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission working with the Coast Guard to find out what caused the explosion.
What the Community Did
People who live and visit the area were shocked and worried after what happened. Memorial Day was supposed to be a day to remember and relax, but for many people, it turned into a nightmare.
A person from the area said, “We come out here to party and enjoy the water, but today’s events show us how quickly things can change.” “We’re thankful for all the brave people who helped save lives and gave first aid.”
As families get better and police try to figure out what happened, Fort Lauderdale continues to help and support those who were touched by this terrible accident. Authorities want boats to be careful with fuel and follow safety rules so that similar accidents don’t happen again.
Local hospitals and support groups are ready to help you or someone you know who needs help because of this event.
