Boat Explosion on Memorial Day in Fort Lauderdale Injures 11, Including Two Children

A holiday weekend turned tragic on Memorial Day after a boat exploded near a sandbar in Fort Lauderdale, injuring 11 people, including two children, according to officials. The explosion, which occurred around 5:45 p.m. near 9th Street—a popular area for boaters—sent victims flying into the water and prompted a swift response from nearby good Samaritans and emergency crews.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One bystander, Bret Triano, recounted seeing a massive fireball as the anchored vessel erupted. “When they went to start their boat up, it just exploded,” he said. Triano and others immediately used their dinghy to pull victims from the water.

Triano recalled the desperation of one victim who was severely burned. “He was saying, ‘Save me, please don’t let me die, I’m so hot, I need water.’” The man, later identified as Antonio Rivera, believes the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak during refueling. “We tried to fuel up the boat and it must’ve been a gas leak and a spark went off and an explosion,” Rivera said. “My wife and my kids, they’ll be okay, there’s nothing permanent, but they did get third-degree burns.”

All 11 victims were initially transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Those with the most severe injuries were later transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, which houses one of the state’s top burn units. According to officials, several of the injured were classified as Level 1 trauma patients, indicating serious, potentially life-threatening conditions.

Fortunately, despite the severity of the injuries, no fatalities have been reported. A dog that was also on board the boat was rescued unharmed.

Authorities from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and local police are currently investigating the cause of the explosion. While a fuel leak is suspected, the exact cause has not been officially confirmed.

Common Causes of Boat Explosions

Boat explosions are often the result of preventable mechanical or human failures. Some of the most common causes include:

• Fuel Vapor Buildup: Gasoline vapors are highly flammable. If a boat isn’t properly ventilated after fueling, starting the engine can ignite those vapors.
• Fuel Line Leaks or Malfunctions: A cracked or degraded fuel line can leak gas into the engine compartment, creating a hidden explosion risk.
• Electrical Failures or Sparks: Faulty wiring or a spark near a fuel leak can ignite vapors.
• Overfilled or Improperly Stored Fuel Tanks: Overfilling a tank or using the wrong type of fuel container can lead to spills and increased risk of ignition.
• Negligence During Refueling: Failing to follow safe fueling procedures, especially in crowded or chaotic environments like holiday weekends, can result in catastrophic accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Explosion in Florida?

In the aftermath of a boating explosion, determining liability is a critical step toward securing justice and compensation for victims. In Florida, several parties may be held legally responsible, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident:

1. The Boat Owner or Operator

Boat owners have a legal duty to maintain their vessel in a safe condition, especially when inviting passengers onboard. If the explosion was caused by:

• Improper fueling practices
• Failure to ventilate fumes before ignition
• Lack of safety inspections or maintenance
• Use of faulty or outdated equipment
  then the owner may be liable for negligence.

2. A Marina or Fueling Station

If the explosion occurred during or after refueling at a marina or dock, the facility itself could be responsible. Liability may arise if:

• The marina used faulty or uninspected fueling equipment
• Staff failed to follow proper fueling procedures
• There was a spill or fuel leak that was ignored or improperly cleaned

3. Boat Manufacturers or Equipment Suppliers

If a mechanical or structural failure led to the explosion—such as a defective fuel tank, gas line, or electrical system—the manufacturer may be held liable under a product liability claim. This includes:

• Defective design or manufacturing flaws
• Failure to warn of known risks
• Lack of safety features or instructions

4. Maintenance or Repair Companies

If the boat had recently been serviced and improper repairs or overlooked safety hazards contributed to the explosion, the technician or repair shop could be held accountable.

Can Victims File a Legal Claim in Florida After a Boat Explosion?

Yes. In Florida, victims of boat explosions or other maritime injuries may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation. These claims may be brought under Florida state law or, in some cases, under federal maritime law depending on the location and nature of the accident.

Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Long-term rehabilitation and burn treatments
• Lost income or future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Property loss
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

Investigating a boating explosion requires extensive knowledge of maritime safety laws, engineering standards, and liability issues. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our boating accident attorneys work with expert investigators and accident reconstructionists to determine what went wrong, and who should be held accountable.