Investigation Underway After 33-Foot Sea Ray Burns to Waterline; Six Injured

The cause of an explosion that engulfed a 1995 Sea Ray and burned it to the waterline is under investigation. The blast, which occurred May 9 in shallow water near Pine Key (commonly known as Beer Can Island) off Apollo Beach, Fla., sent six people to the hospital with serious injuries and left the vessel virtually destroyed.

Fourteen people — including six children — were aboard the 33-foot Sea Ray when it departed Apollo Beach bound for Pine Key. The boat had been anchored in the southwest part of the island when, shortly after noon, an explosion at the stern reportedly ignited a fire that rapidly consumed the vessel. Authorities say a generator was running at the time of the incident.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), working with the Tampa Fire Department’s Investigations Unit, has opened an inquiry into what triggered the blast. Officials have not yet determined a definitive cause, and investigators are examining multiple possibilities.

Vigilance About Gas Fumes and Electrical Sparks

FWC spokesman Gary Morse emphasized that, even when an accident does not occur at the fuel dock or while underway, boaters must remain vigilant about gasoline vapors and potential ignition sources. “Typically fumes in the bilge are ignited by an electric spark,” Morse said. “We don’t know that’s what happened here, but regardless there is a good message to be learned.”

Investigators stress that simple, routine checks can dramatically reduce the risk of explosions and fires. Morse recommends opening the hatch and ventilating the bilge with a blower for at least five minutes before leaving the dock. He also advises checking fuel hoses and electrical connections each time you head out, using your eyes, nose and touch to detect loose fittings, dampness, corrosion or fuel odor.

Casualties and Immediate Response

At the time of the explosion, 11 family members were aboard the Sea Ray. Six people — including one child — suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. Four children received treatment at the scene for minor injuries. One child on the boat and three family members wading nearby were reported uninjured, according to FWC statements.

“I’ve never seen a 33-footer burn like that — there was virtually nothing left. It’s a miracle that people survived,” Morse said, highlighting how quickly a fire can overwhelm a small recreational vessel and how little time occupants have to react.

Practical Pre-Departure Safety Checklist

While investigators determine the specific cause of this incident, boaters can follow a concise pre-departure routine to lower the risk of similar events:

Ventilate the bilge: Open engine compartments and run a blower for several minutes before starting engines or generators.
Smell test: Walk through the boat and check for any gasoline or fuel odors; trust your senses and do not ignore faint smells.
Inspect fuel systems: Look for cracked, loose or deteriorated fuel hoses, loose clamps, or signs of leakage around fittings.
Check electrical connections: Ensure battery terminals, wiring and switches are secure, dry and free from corrosion that could create sparks.
Generator safety: Operate portable or onboard generators in well-ventilated areas and follow manufacturer guidelines to reduce the chance of fuel vapor accumulation or electrical faults.
Have safety gear ready: Keep life jackets accessible, maintain a functioning fire extinguisher near the helm and ensure emergency contact devices are charged.

These steps take only a few minutes but can make a critical difference in preventing fires and protecting lives.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have not released a final determination about the explosion’s origin. The Tampa Fire Department’s Investigations Unit and FWC will evaluate physical evidence, witness accounts and damage patterns to identify contributing factors.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder that even routine outings can carry risks when fuel vapors and ignition sources combine. Boaters are urged to adopt consistent, simple safety habits before leaving the dock to help prevent similar tragedies.

This article originally appeared in the Florida and the South Home Waters section of the July 2009 issue.