Possible boat explosion in Miami sends several to the hospital: Fire officials

First responders raced to Haulover Sandbar on Saturday afternoon.

ByVictoria Arancio and Ivan Pereira
May 9, 2026, 5:28 PM

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.

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