Fort Lauderdale, FL - A man suffered severe injuries after a boat suddenly exploded and caught fire off the coast of Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday morning.
Wednesday’s incident marks the second serious boating incident in the area within the past few days.
Emergency crews responded around 930 in the morning after reports of a large fire near the 1700 block of South Ocean Boulevard.
According to officials, a thirty foot boat was seen engulfed in flames as it drifted toward the shore.
Bystanders captured video showing thick black smoke rising as the vessel burned intensely in the water.
Authorities said the boat was occupied by one man who allegedly jumped into the ocean to escape the blaze.
He was able to swim to shore and was later transported to Broward Health Medical Center with significant burn injuries.
His current condition has not been publicly released.
Fire rescue officials are working to determine the cause of the explosion.
While the investigation is ongoing, initial concerns point to the possibility of fuel vapors igniting.
This would mirror a similar incident on Memorial Day, when a boat exploded at a sandbar gathering and left eleven people hospitalized.
Investigators continue to examine the scene and are asking anyone with information or footage to come forward.