South Florida

1 Hurt in Reported Boat Explosion in Pompano Beach

One person was hospitalized after a boat reportedly exploded in Pompano Beach early Monday.

The incident happened shortly after 2 a.m. at the Hillsboro Inlet when a live bait boat captain said he heard what sounded like an explosion.

"I heard a loud kaboom, sounded like an atom bomb went off," Joseph Semmbrino said.

Semmbrino drove his boat to the area and found a 36-foot boat on fire.

Firefighters found the boat fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene, Pompano Beach Fire Rescue Capt. Matthew Whitton said.

Authorities searched the area and could find no victims, Whitton said.

Authorities later learned that the victim showed up at North Broward General Hospital and was later transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital where their condition was unknown.

Officials haven't identified the victim but said the victim suffered severe burns.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and is being treated as a suspicious incident, officials said.

Check back with NBC 6 South Florida and NBC6.com for updates.

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