Explosion on Charter Boat Near Haulover Sandbar Sends 11 People to Miami Hospitals
Image: TVA Nouvelles

Explosion on Charter Boat Near Haulover Sandbar Sends 11 People to Miami Hospitals

10 May, 2026.USA.19 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Explosion occurred on a charter boat near Haulover Sandbar in Biscayne Bay.
  • Eleven people were injured and transported to local hospitals.
  • Authorities are investigating the cause; no definitive explanation yet.

Miami boat blast

An explosion on a boat near Miami sent 11 people to hospitals with injuries on Saturday, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

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Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Juan Arias told reporters that emergency crews responded to reports of a "possible boat explosion" at Haulover Sandbar, a popular tourist location.

Image from ABC News
ABC NewsABC News

ABC News reported that the charter boat was in Biscayne Bay, near Haulover Sandbar, when the blast erupted on board, and that more than two dozen rescue units responded in the afternoon.

The BBC reported that Arias said the 11 people were taken to local hospitals to be treated for burns and traumatic injuries, and that officials had not revealed the cause of the explosion.

Witnesses and response

Eyewitness Patrick Lee told the BBC that "We saw three people fly out of the boat in a puff of smoke," describing burns and what he called a "hot fire."

The BBC said fire and rescue teams were joined by the US coast guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation in responding to the incident at Haulover Sandbar.

Image from ABP News
ABP NewsABP News

The Guardian reported that first responders received reports roughly around 12.45pm of a possible boat explosion on the water and that it occurred onboard a charter boat with about 14 people.

The Guardian also said Patrick Lee told the Miami Herald that "When we looked back out, we saw three people flying off the boat in a puff of smoke," and that the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission was investigating the incident.

Cause under investigation

Authorities have not revealed the cause of the explosion, with the BBC saying officials have not revealed the cause and that the BBC approached Miami-Dad Fire and Rescue for further details.

The explosion happened onboard a charter vessel near the popular Haulover Sandbar in Biscayne Bay, off the coast of Miami

ABP NewsABP News

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said an investigation is underway, according to ABC News, while the BBC reported that the cause remained unclear.

The Guardian said it was unclear what caused the blast and that the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission is investigating the incident, citing the Associated Press.

In a separate account, NewsNation said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that over 25 units responded at 12:48 p.m. to reports of a possible vessel explosion near the Haulover Sandbar and that the call was upgraded to a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI).

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