Boat explosion at Miami’s Haulover Sandbar injures at least 15, probe underway

A suspected boat explosion at the Haulover Sandbar, a well-known boating and recreation spot in Miami-Dade County, Florida, on Saturday afternoon left at least 15 people injured, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

The incident, which occurred around 12:48 pm  near Biscayne Bay, prompted authorities to declare a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident due to the high number of victims requiring immediate medical attention.

Witnesses at the scene described a terrifying moment as a charter boat—identified by local reports as a 40-foot cabin cruiser named Nauti Nabors—suffered a sudden blast.

Patrick Lee, a fellow boat operator nearby, told local news outlets that he saw the vessel erupt in a “puff of smoke.”

“When we looked back out, we saw three people flying off the boat,” Lee said. “The boat was surrounded in flames within minutes. It was a high-octane gasoline fire; it was quick, but it was hot.”

Initial reports varied as rescue efforts unfolded, but the latest updates from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that at least 15 people were taken to nearby trauma centres and hospitals for treatment.

Authorities said the victims suffered a range of burn injuries and other trauma-related wounds. Among those hurt was at least one child.

The response was massive, with more than 25 emergency units rushing to the scene. Rescue teams, including MDFR fireboats, Ocean Rescue personnel and the United States Coast Guard, worked together at the sandbar to triage victims and carry out evacuations.

Was it a gas leak?

While official causes remain under investigation, preliminary reports and witness statements point toward a mechanical failure.

Experienced boaters at the scene suggested that the blast may have occurred during the boat’s startup.

“He turned the key, and didn’t open the hatches or turn on the blowers,” one witness speculated, referring to the necessary safety protocol of venting gas fumes from the engine compartment before ignition. One individual onboard the vessel corroborated this, attributing the blast to a gas leak.

With South Florida currently in the height of boating season, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Juan Arias issued a stern reminder to the community:

“Prioritise safety while out on the water. Ensure your vessel is equipped with working fire extinguishers and perform a thorough safety check—including running blowers to clear fumes—before every departure,” he said.

The FWC is currently leading the investigation into the exact cause of the blast. The vessel has been docked near the Haulover Marine Center for forensic analysis.