Boat Explosion in Fort Lauderdale Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
FORT LAUDERDALE – A fiery boat explosion at a Fort Lauderdale marina claimed the life of one man and injured several others, sparking chaos in the popular waterfront area.
Authorities reported receiving multiple 911 calls just before 6 p.m. Monday about a large fire at Lauderdale Marina, located at 1900 SE 15th Street, near the well-known 15th Street Fisheries restaurant. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant blaze consuming one boat, which quickly spread to a neighboring vessel.
Emergency responders rushed six individuals to area hospitals, three of whom suffered severe traumatic injuries. A seventh person, initially reported missing, was later discovered deceased by a Broward Sheriff’s Office dive team.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) identified the deceased as 41-year-old Sebastien Gauthier of Quebec, Canada.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
The explosion, visible from miles away, was captured on video by eyewitnesses and nearby surveillance cameras, showing thick plumes of black smoke and towering flames.
Tamer Dimiati, a restaurant worker who witnessed the incident, described the harrowing scene.
“One guy was on fire, another was in the water. It was just chaos all at once,” he said.Janet Lamp, a nearby resident, recalled the unusual smell of the smoke from her balcony.
“It was a different kind of smell, not a regular smoke smell,” she said.Nate Hall, another witness, described the devastation.
“I turned around, and the whole dock was on fire,” Hall said.
Investigation Underway
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Garrett Pingol said multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, are investigating the cause of the explosion. Initial reports indicate the fire originated on a boat docked near fuel pumps, but officials cautioned that it is too early to determine the exact cause.
“It is too soon to speculate as to what the potential cause(s) may have been,” said an FWC spokesperson. “Once the vessels have been removed from the water and closely examined, we will have a better idea.”
In addition to investigating the cause, crews are working to contain a fuel spill that has contaminated the surrounding waters.
The tragic incident has left the community shaken, with officials urging caution and patience as the investigation unfolds. Further updates are expected as more details emerge.
