📅 May 10, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
At least 13 people were injured Saturday after a possible explosion aboard a charter boat near the popular Haulover Sandbar in Florida, according to emergency officials and hospital authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. on May 9, 2026, involving a 40-foot motorboat identified as Nauti Nabor in the waters of Biscayne Bay.
Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke emerging from the vessel. Some passengers were reportedly thrown into the water by the force of the blast.
Mass Casualty Response Activated
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue upgraded the incident to a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident due to the number of injured passengers.
More than 25 emergency response units were deployed to the scene, including rescue boats, fire crews, and medical teams.
Additional assistance came from the United States Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Emergency crews rescued passengers from the water and transported several victims to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Officials said the rapid multi-agency response helped stabilize the situation and prevent additional casualties.
Victims Suffered Burns and Trauma Injuries
Hospital officials later confirmed that Jackson Memorial Hospital treated 13 patients connected to the explosion.
Among the injured:
- Four patients remained in critical but stable condition with severe burn injuries.
- Seven patients were listed in good condition.
- Two pediatric patients were also treated and reported to be in stable condition.
Medical officials said injuries included second-degree burns covering significant portions of the body as well as trauma-related injuries caused by the blast and evacuation.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims.
Witnesses Describe Explosion and Smoke
People near the sandbar described hearing a powerful boom moments before seeing smoke rise from the vessel.
Some witnesses reported that passengers appeared disoriented and were attempting to swim away from the boat immediately after the explosion.
Preliminary witness accounts from individuals onboard suggested a possible fuel or gas leak may have triggered the blast when someone attempted to start the boat’s engine.
Authorities cautioned that the exact cause has not yet been officially determined.
Investigation Underway
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is leading the investigation into the incident.
Investigators are expected to inspect the vessel’s fuel systems, engine components, and maintenance records while also interviewing passengers and crew members.
Officials have not confirmed whether the boat operator or charter company could face regulatory scrutiny pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Haulover Sandbar area is a popular recreational boating destination in South Florida and frequently attracts large crowds during weekends and holidays.
Authorities Monitoring Safety Concerns
The explosion renewed concerns over boating safety and fuel-handling procedures aboard recreational vessels, particularly during crowded leisure events in South Florida waterways.
Authorities said additional updates would be released once investigators complete a more detailed assessment of the damaged vessel and surrounding evidence.
Sources:
- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- United States Coast Guard
- Reuters
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: May 10, 2026
Tags: USA, Florida, Boat Explosion, Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Coast Guard, Breaking News, Marine Safety
News by The Vagabond News.
