Tragic Fort Lauderdale Marina Boat Explosion Kills One

A tragic accident at Broward Marina in Fort Lauderdale killed a 41-year-old man from Quebec this week and severely injured six others. The boat was reportedly at a fuel station just before 6 p.m. on December 23, 2024, when it exploded and burst into flames. A pontoon boat nearby also caught fire as the flames spread. 

Witnesses saw the dramatic scene unfold

The explosion took place at a popular tourist spot, and many witnesses were on the scene, including dock workers and people in a nearby restaurant. According to accounts, people were thrown into the air by the blast. One witness saw a child crying for her mother. A woman was reportedly trapped on the second floor of a boat as it burned. 

The 911 call came in before 6 pm, and firefighters arrived on the scene, where they worked to control the flames and manage the spilled fuel. The fire was out by 8 pm. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the US Coast Guard, and the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue were all on the scene. The FWC is leading the investigation with support from other relevant agencies.

The cause of the explosion has not yet been reported, but authorities will examine the vessels as part of the investigation. Officials confirmed that the boat was near the fuel pumps at the time of the explosion, but it’s not clear whether it was actively fueling.

Legal implications and victims’ rights

Deadly boating accidents happen for various reasons, and often, negligence is involved. Investigators will need to determine whether maintenance issues or an error during fueling contributed to this tragedy. If negligence or a defective product caused the explosion, the victims have a right to seek compensation for their losses and injuries.

In a successful claim, the law allows recovery for:

• Medical expenses in the past (from the date of the injury through the date of a trial)
• Medical expenses in the future (from the date of trial through the end of your life expectancy)
• Lost wages and other compensation in the past
• Lost capacity to earn income in the future
• Pain, past and future
• Suffering, past and future
• Mental anguish, past and future
• Scarring and disfigurement, past and future
• Inconvenience, past and future
• Physical disability and impairment, past and future

In the case of wrongful death claims, the victim’s family can pursue damages for burial and funeral expenses, their emotional pain, and lost income caused by the loss.

Whether a boating accident causes personal injuries or the loss of a loved one, it’s important to have an attorney who specializes in maritime law. Accidents on the water involve specific laws that can impact the outcome of a claim. The experienced maritime law attorneys at the Hickey Law Firm can handle these cases and fight for the compensation that victims and their families deserve.

Safety reminders for boaters

Many boat accidents are preventable. Simple safety precautions – like wearing a personal floatation device – can significantly reduce the risk of death. When it comes to fueling a boat, there are other safety considerations. Before fueling, boaters should take these important steps:

• Make sure that the boat is securely tied to the fuel dock
• Ask passengers to exit the boat and wait on the dock
• Never smoke or use an open flame near the fuel dock
• Extinguish any flames on the boat, such as pilot lights or galley stoves
• Turn off electrical equipment, fans, engines, and anything else that may cause a spark
• Check that fuel lines, vents, and connections are in good working condition
• Shut openings like windows and doors to keep fumes out of the boat
• Have a fire extinguisher close by
• Fill any portable fuel tanks on the dock rather than on the boat

It’s also wise to only fuel during the day. If it’s an emergency and you must fuel a boat at night, only use electric lights to reduce risks. 

Call a maritime law specialist at the Hickey Law Firm

John h. (Jack) Hickey is Dual board-certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial and Admiralty and Maritime Law and Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been honored by The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and Medical Malpractice – Plaintiffs. If you or your loved ones suffered injuries on the water, you need to hire a specialist who knows how to fight for victims of boat accidents. Contact Hickey Law Firm today for a free consultation.