A deadly explosion at a Fort Lauderdale marina on December 23, 2024, left one person dead and five others injured, including three with severe burns.
The fire broke out just before 6 p.m. at the Lauderdale Marina on 1900 SE 15th Street, near the 15th Street Fisheries restaurant, and quickly spread between two boats before firefighters could bring it under control.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion near the marina’s fuel docks. Witnesses described a massive blast that sent debris flying and engulfed one boat in flames, which then spread to a second vessel.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and divers, rushed to the scene to contain the fire and search for victims.
During the rescue efforts, divers recovered the body of a man who had gone missing during the chaos. Authorities have not yet released his identity.
Witnesses recalled a chaotic and terrifying scene. One bystander said they felt vibrations from the blast and saw the top half of the boat fly 10 feet into the air before crashing down.
Another described seeing people walking around on fire, while others jumped into the water to escape the flames.
Maria Sans, a woman on a nearby boat, recounted her experience of evacuating with her family. She said the explosion was deafening, and flames quickly engulfed the dock, forcing everyone to flee.
Tamer Dimiati, a waiter at a nearby restaurant, described seeing the boat explode while he was taking an order. He said the blast caused the boat’s top to fly off before flames engulfed the vessel. He rushed to help, witnessing people in the water and others on fire.
Videos from the scene captured the intense flames and thick black smoke billowing from the boats. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze and prevent further damage.
The marina’s fuel dock, where the explosion occurred, is a known refuelling station. Officials are investigating whether the fire started during a refuelling operation.
Five other individuals were transported to local hospitals, with three suffering traumatic injuries. Their conditions remain unclear.
