A possible gas leak triggered a boat explosion near Miami’s Haulover Sandbar on Saturday, hospitalizing eleven people. Witnesses described victims being thrown from the vessel by the blast and suffering burns.
Over 25 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded, alongside Ocean Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard. A rescue helicopter was also deployed to the scene.
A marina worker told NBC6 the explosion occurred when the captain turned on the ignition, and one passenger suggested a gas leak may have been the cause — though investigators have not confirmed this. The boat, a Sea Ray Express Cruiser legally rated for 10–12 passengers, reportedly had 14 people on board at the time.
The vessel has since been towed and an investigation is underway.
