A tragic explosion and boat fire about 130 miles south of Nassau in the Bahamas left one American woman dead and nine others injured. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said one of the two outboard engines on the 40-foot tourist boat exploded, engulfing the boat in flames. The boat was carrying ten Americans and two Bahamians.
The boat was off Barraterre Island in the Exuma Cays at the time. At least three people from a nearby boat jumped into the water to help; they were able to pull one person to safety.
The explosion occurred after 9 in the morning. At 11:06 the local U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Miami got a call from the Royal Bahamas Police Force asking for medical help. The Coast Guard sent an HC-130 Hercules plane with two medical personnel to the scene from the Clearwater air station. The plane flew four Americans back to a hospital in Clearwater. Five other people were airlifted to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, including two Americans who were listed in “extremely critical condition.” The boat’s captain, who also owns the 4 C’s Adventures tour company, was treated at the hospital and discharged.
All that was left of the boat was a burned-out hulk and the two outboards. The Exuma branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is investigating. Read more:
