Miami

Boat Up in Flames Off Key Biscayne, 2 Hospitalized

Two men are recovering at the hospital after their boat went up in flames Saturday morning.

Miami Beach Marine Patrol responded around noon to a call about a possible explosion on a small vessel four miles east of Key Biscayne.

Officer Duane Rezende quickly boarded the two victims onto a police boat at the scene.The victims had severe burns and could not wait on scene for additional first responders. Officer Rezende rushed the two victims to No Name Marina as he coordinated via radio for Miami Dade Fire Rescue to receive the patients.

"Patients were removed from the water by a good samaritan and were transferred to a Miami Dade police boat on scene," said Vaughn Mulder, captain with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. "The boat did end up sinking; investigators will be diving it next week."

The men were transported to Jackson Memorial Ryder Trauma Center and are being treated for their burn injuries.

David Coyle was visiting Key Biscayne beach when he witnessed the boat become engulfed in smoke.

"We were sitting on the beach with some friends getting something to eat and drink and then all of a sudden there's some black smoke and I took a picture and thought that’s odd something is clearly on fire," said Coyle.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says they’ve already had several boat fires this year and by being prepared anyone can help prevent an accident like this from happening.

"Making sure that your wiring is intact you know boats take a rough bounce out there, things can come loose and equipment, brakes free." Captain Mulder added.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The two men are currently at the hospital recovering.

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