A charter boat explosion on Saturday resulted in at least 11 individuals being hospitalized near the popular Haulover Sandbar in South Florida, amid the Mother's Day weekend festivities.
The emergency call was received at 12:48 p.m., prompting a swift response from over 25 units of the Miami-Dade Fire Department. This included Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, an air rescue helicopter, personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Coast Guard.
Due to the significant number of casualties, authorities upgraded the situation to a Level 2 Mass Casualty Event.
According to witnesses and preliminary investigations, the explosion likely resulted from a fuel leak combined with a failure to follow basic nautical safety protocols prior to starting the engine.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Reactions
Captain Leo, who witnessed the incident, told CBS Miami: "The captain boarded his people, turned the key, didn't open the hatches, and failed to activate the exhaust fans: it blew people off the boat."
FWC spokesperson Melissa Brevik stated in a release, reported by the Associated Press, that the cause remains under investigation: "Preliminary information indicates that a charter boat carrying several passengers was in Biscayne Bay, near the Haulover Sandbar, when an onboard explosion occurred."
The vessel involved was identified by CBS Miami as the Naughty Neighbors, registered in Sherman, Texas. The boat was towed to a dock near Haulover Inlet, displaying only minor visible exterior damage.
Heart-Wrenching Testimonies
Patrick Lee, a charter boat captain in the vicinity, recalled the scene: "I saw three people get thrown from the boat amidst a cloud of smoke. It's a fast fire, high-octane gasoline, and many of them simply got burned."
Among the injured was Adriana Rojas, who was celebrating Mother's Day on board and was taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Her husband, Anthony Torres, recounted the harrowing call he received following the explosion: "She was screaming, 'Help me! Help me! I'm burned! The boat exploded!'"
Torres described his wife's condition: "She has second-degree burns on her legs, buttocks, chest, left arm, and the left side of her body." Emergency reports indicated that at least one adult suffered burns covering more than 30% of their body.
Emphasizing Nautical Safety
Battalion Chief Juan Arias of the Miami-Dade Fire Department confirmed that "injuries ranged from burns to physical trauma" and took the opportunity to issue a reminder: "It's always good to ensure you have a radio, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and also an experienced navigator on board."
This accident is part of a series of severe nautical incidents in the Miami-Dade waters in recent months.
In March, a 33-year-old Cuban woman died in Biscayne Bay after being struck by her own out-of-control boat. In July 2025, two children died following a sailboat collision in Miami, and in April of the same year, a yacht lost control in the bay in an incident involving a Cuban entrepreneur.
The investigation into the exact causes of the explosion remains open and is being conducted by the FWC.
Nautical Safety and Incident Details
What was the response to the boat explosion near Haulover Sandbar?
The response involved over 25 units from the Miami-Dade Fire Department, including Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, an air rescue helicopter, and personnel from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Coast Guard.
What precautions are recommended for charter boat safety?
It is recommended to have a radio, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and an experienced navigator on board to ensure safety.
What are some recent nautical incidents in Miami-Dade?
Recent incidents include the death of a 33-year-old Cuban woman in March, a sailboat collision in July 2025 that killed two children, and a yacht losing control in an incident involving a Cuban entrepreneur in April 2025.