SAN DIEGO — Two people were severely burned in a boat fire Thursday afternoon off Dana Landing in Mission Bay. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion around 3:15 p.m.
It happened in the water near a fueling pier, but they were not in the process of re-fueling when the fire started, said Battalion Chief Chuck Adams.
“It could have been much worse,” Adams said.
Crews quickly knocked down the fire and towed the 30-foot cabin cruiser to Ventura Cove.
A 27-year-old-man and a 44-year-old man were on board. They jumped into the water and were rescued by lifeguards.
Both suffered 2nd or 3rd degree burns. One man fell into the engine area and was burned on 30% of his body, fire officials said. The men were rushed to the burn unit at UCSD. Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
The U.S. Coast Guard assessed the water to mitigate fuel contamination.
The boat recently had maintenance work done to it, but it is unclear if that was a factor in the explosion, fire officials said. Investigators were still trying to determine who owned the boat.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
UPDATE: A 27-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were badly burned. One has 2nd or 3rd degree burns covering 30% of his body. They’re expected to survive. Hear from witnesses, investigators on @fox5sandiego at 6 #LiveOnFox5 pic.twitter.com/JkVgSVsXAX
— Justina Myers (@JustinaReports) August 9, 2019
Happening now – @SDLifeguards and firefighters handling this boat fire off Dana Landing. Two burn patients now on land being treated. Boat fire is knocked down & arrangements will be made for towing. #teamwork pic.twitter.com/VOmuxWoNLX
— SDFD (@SDFD) August 8, 2019
Check back for updates on this developing story.
