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Possible boat explosion near Miami sends nearly a dozen people to the hospitalAt least 11 people were injured following a possible boat explosion at a popular south Florida sandbar near Miami. An investigation on what sparked the blast is now underway.

Several people were rushed to a hospital following a possible boat explosion off the waters of Miami Saturday afternoon, fire officials said.

On May 9, 2026, over 25 MDFR units, including Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, alongside the FWC, responded to reports of a possible vessel explosion near the Haulover Sandbar, near Miami Beach, Fla.
ABC Miami

First responders rushed to Haulover Sandbar following calls of an explosion around 12:48 p.m., according to Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue.

On May 9, 2026, over 25 MDFR units, including Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, alongside the FWC, responded to reports of a possible vessel explosion near the Haulover Sandbar, near Miami Beach, Fla.
ABC Miami

They found multiple victims. Fire officials initially said 15 people were immediately transported to the hospital. Later in the afternoon, fire officials said that 11 people were hospitalized.

On May 9, 2026, over 25 MDFR units, including Fireboat 21, Ocean Rescue units, alongside the FWC, responded to reports of a possible vessel explosion near the Haulover Sandbar, near Miami Beach, Fla.
ABC Miami

Their conditions were not immediately revealed.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

11 people injured in possible boat explosion in Miami Beach

Due to the number of victims involved, officials escalated the response to a Level 2 mass casualty incident to bring in additional resources

Eleven people were sent to the hospital Saturday afternoon after a possible boat explosion at a marina near North Miami.

Crews responded around 12:50 p.m. to reports of a possible explosion on the water just west of Haulover Beach Marina, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson told The Independent.

More than 25 units rushed to the scene, including Fireboat 21 and Ocean Rescue crews, with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

When first responders arrived, they found multiple victims with a range of injuries, including burns and other traumatic wounds. Because of the number of patients, officials upgraded the response to a Level 2 mass casualty incident to deploy additional resources.

All victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

About 11 people suffered injuries, ranging from burns to other traumatic wounds, after a possible boat explosion on the water near Haulover Beach Marina (pictured) in Miami Saturday (Google Maps)

Authorities also used the event to stress boating safety during busy periods on the water.

“Make sure your vessel is equipped with a working fire extinguisher and all required safety equipment,” the MDFR said in a statement. “Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards. Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent emergencies and keep everyone safe.”