Overview

• The 39-foot Sea Ray exploded around 5:45 p.m. on May 26 at the New River Triangle sandbar off the Lauderdale Yacht Club as its engine was started
• Thirteen people were aboard when the blast threw many into the water and inflicted significant burns on several passengers
• Good Samaritans joined Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies in rescuing victims and a dog from the burning boat
• Eleven people, including two children aged five and seven, were taken to Broward Health Medical Center and most were later transferred to Jackson Memorial’s burn unit with eight adults in good condition and both children in fair condition
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading an ongoing investigation and has arranged salvage operations for the damaged vessel