Memorial Day Boat Explosion in Fort Lauderdale Injures 11

A devastating boat explosion occurred near New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale over Memorial Day. The recreational vessel had 15 people aboard at the time, and 11 sustained serious injuries. Children were among those harmed. The exact cause of this incident is not yet known.

Background on the boat explosion

The incident took place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025, at around 5:45 p.m. The boat, a 39-foot Sea Ray, was anchored at a sandbar in Fort Lauderdale, close to New River Triangle. The explosion reportedly was sudden, and resulted in people being thrown into the water. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene, where 11 people were transported to nearby hospitals. Some of the victims sustained severe burns, and at least two of those injured were children.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard are involved in the investigation and clearing of the scene. There are no public findings yet regarding what triggered the explosion.

Potential causes of boat explosions

Boat explosions can happen for a number of reasons. One issue is that boat engine compartments have to be ventilated. Gas vapors can accumulate inside an engine, especially if there is a fuel leak at or near the gas pump. Vapors can accumulate over time. When there is ignition, the spark can ignite the gas vapors. It’s the vapors of gasoline which ignite and burn, not the liquid itself. Some general causes of boat explosions include:

• Fuel system leaks or failures
• Improper maintenance or defective components (e.g., battery systems or engines)
• Accumulation of gas fumes
• Misuse of vessel systems

When one of these accidents does take place, it can lead to possible third-party liability. Some of those who might be legally responsible for injuries resulting from a boat explosion include the following:

• A boat manufacturer or component part supplier
• A maintenance provider or marina
• A charter operator or event organizer (if applicable)

Legal rights of victims under maritime and Florida law

Those injured in boat accidents need the support of a legal advocate who can help them understand their rights. There are certain considerations that apply when dealing with incidents that occur on the water. In cases where the event takes place on navigable waters, federal maritime law applies – no matter how shallow the water. This explosion did occur in waters that were navigable. They are a part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Maritime law involves cases in both state and Federal Court. The case for personal injury claims for the burn injuries and other injuries from this explosion can end up in Federal Court if the owner of the boat files a Limitation of Liability Act case. That kind of case can limit the liability or responsibility of the owner to the value of the boat. That kind of case can only be filed in Federal Court, and it stays or stops all other cases, state or Federal.

In general, personal injury cases involve the following legal theories:

• Negligence: Negligence in the maritime law is the failure to act reasonably under the circumstances.
• Product liability: Manufacturers have the duty to produce products that are reasonably safe for their intended use. Faulty design, manufacturing defects, or a failure to properly warn can result in liability for the manufacturer, seller, or importer of a product. Strict liability may apply to defective products cases, even in the absence of any negligence. Maritime law also applies to product liability cases.

The damages, which anyone injured in this boat explosion may be able to recover, include:

• Medical expenses in the past and in the future (burn treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, etc.)
• Lost income in the past and diminished earning capacity in the future
• Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, physical impairment, and disability, all in the past and in the future.

Families might be able to collect wrongful death damages if a victim dies because of their injuries. Fortunately, it appears that this explosion did not result in any fatal injuries, but many boating incidents do have tragic outcomes.

Maritime experience matters

Maritime law claims are complicated and require a lawyer who specializes in this area.

Hickey Law Firm has the unique qualifications you need when you or a loved one is injured in a maritime incident. Jack Hickey is Board Certified in Admiralty & Maritime Law by The Florida Bar. As a former defense counsel for cruise lines and marine insurers, he knows both sides, and uses that knowledge to help those who suffer maritime injuries. With multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in boating and maritime cases, his team has everything it takes to effectively litigate these challenging cases.

If you were injured in this boat explosion, or one like it, you need a legal advocate. Call or contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney from our nationally recognized maritime law team. We charge no fees unless we win.