Explosion on Boat Injures 6 at Harbor
Six men were injured, one seriously, at Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday in an explosion on a boat, authorities said.
According to police, the unidentified men, all in their 20s and from the eastern part of the county, had just finished fueling their 34-foot pleasure boat when the explosion occurred about 12:45 p.m.
“We heard a loud, kind of muffled explosion and then saw about four or five people out in the water,” said Sgt. Don Molony of the Channel Islands Harbor Police. “We saw flames and smoke rising from engine and fuel compartments.”
At least one of the men suffered second-degree burns and was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center. He was later transferred to the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital. The other five were treated at the scene.
No other injuries or damage were reported.
Investigators said the explosion occurred after the crew turned on the electric blowers to flush out gasoline fumes. The boat was at the dock at the time.
County fire investigators continued their search for a cause late Saturday.
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