Overview
- Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, which responded Saturday around 12:50 p.m., upgraded the call to a Level 2 mass-casualty incident and deployed more than 25 units with help from FWC and the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Officials said crews found burn and traumatic injuries; MDFR reported 11 people transported, while Jackson Health said it treated 13 patients and noted several in serious condition.
- The incident occurred near the Haulover Sandbar in Biscayne Bay, and reporters identified the vessel as the 40-foot Nauti Nabors, which was towed for inspection.
- Authorities have not confirmed an explosion or cause, though witnesses described people being thrown into the water and suggested a possible ignition of trapped fuel vapors during engine startup.
- The popular sandbar packs in weekend boaters, which raises the stakes for basics like running bilge blowers to vent gasoline fumes, opening engine hatches, and keeping working fire extinguishers on board.