Nine Injured, Two Critical After Suspected Boat Explosion in Miami

MIAMI, Fla. — At least 11 people were injured, two critically, when a boat exploded at a marina in Miami on Saturday, May 9, 2026, according to Miami Fire Rescue officials. The blast occurred in the vicinity of the Miami Yacht Club on Watson Island .

Firefighters arrived at the scene of a fully involved vessel fire shortly after 1 p.m. local time, with witnesses reported hearing a “loud bang” that shook nearby cars. First responders treated the injured on the dock before transporting them to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center .

The two critically injured victims suffered severe burns and blast injuries, and were listed in critical condition. A Miami Fire Rescue spokesperson said the explosion appears to have been caused by a mechanical issue—specifically the ignition of built-up gasoline fumes—and that there is “no indication of a criminal act or terrorism.”

🚤 The Vessel and Investigation

The vessel was identified as a 36-foot (11-meter) powerboat that had just refueled at a marina gas dock moments before the explosion. According to Miami Fire Rescue Lt. Pete Sanchez, the boat’s engine likely failed to start, leaking fuel into the bilge. When the operator attempted to start the engine again, the spark ignited the accumulated fumes, triggering the explosion .

“This is a classic boating accident scenario: fuel fumes accumulate in a poorly ventilated bilge, the operator attempts to start the engine, and the spark from the starter ignites the fumes. We see this too often, especially during the start of boating season.” — Lt. Pete Sanchez, Miami Fire Rescue

The boat was carrying 11 people at the time of the explosion, all of whom were thrown into the water or onto the dock by the blast. Witnesses described people screaming as they jumped into the bay to escape the flames.

The Miami Police Department’s Marine Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have launched a joint investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will also investigate the cause of the explosion.

All fuel sales at the marina have been suspended pending the investigation. Officials stated there is no ongoing threat to the public .

🇺🇸 Similar Incidents in Florida

This is not the first such incident in South Florida. Just last month, four people were injured when a boat exploded during a fueling stop at the Bahia Mar Marina in Fort Lauderdale . In June 2024, three people were injured in a boat explosion at a marina in Miami Beach. According to the Sea Tow Foundation, approximately 85 percent of boat fires and explosions are caused by fuel system failures or ignition of gasoline vapors .

❤️ Community Response

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed her concern for the victims, stating:

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident. I commend our brave first responders for their swift action to extinguish the fire and transport the injured for medical care. We will work closely with state and federal authorities to determine the cause of this accident.” — Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County

📋 Key Takeaways

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