New York Boat Goes Up in Flames — 22 Jump Overboard to Escape Horror Blast [Video]

A Saturday night boat ride turned into a nightmare after a 35-foot vessel erupted in flames near Hart Island, forcing all 22 passengers into the waters of the Long Island Sound in New York.

Video

Authorities say the fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. and quickly engulfed the boat, sending thick smoke into the air. The explosion prompted a swift rescue effort by the FDNY, NYPD, Coast Guard, and other marine units. Eyewitnesses captured the fiery scene as terrified passengers jumped into the water to escape the flames.

“Multiple rescued from the water, injured and transported,” one witness posted on social media, calling attention to the urgent response from New York’s emergency services.

First responders managed to pull three individuals from the water, one of whom was reported in critical condition. Nineteen others made it safely to Hart Island before being transported to City Island for medical evaluation. All 22 people were later treated at local hospitals and are expected to recover.

The boat’s operator, identified as 33-year-old Joshua Brito, was arrested and faces charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment. He is scheduled to appear in Bronx Criminal Court. Authorities are still investigating what caused the vessel to catch fire.

As city officials review the incident, this near-tragedy has reignited conversations about boating safety and intoxicated operation on the water. Thankfully, the quick actions of emergency responders turned what could have been a deadly disaster into a survival story.