Bronx Boat Explosion Leaves 22 Victims Injured or Swimming for Their Lives, Captain Charged with Drunken Boating (video)

A boat trip off the Bronx went up in flames yesterday night

A late-night boat fire off the Bronx shoreline on Saturday left 23 passengers injured and led to the arrest of the boat’s captain, Joshua Brito, 33, on charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. near City Island in the Long Island Sound, with the vessel—identified as a 44-foot powerboat with an enclosed cabin—bursting into flames near Hart Island. Thick black smoke and intense flames forced over 20 people to leap into the water in a desperate attempt to escape.

A video clip shows the fire taking over the rear of the boat, with everyone onboard running for the front of the ship

The NYPD reported that 22 individuals sustained minor injuries while one person suffered serious injuries. All passengers were adults between the ages of 18 and 58. The U.S. Coast Guard, alongside NYPD and FDNY marine units, responded swiftly, rescuing three individuals from the water while 19 others swam to nearby Hart Island to await transport back to City Island.

According to officials, first responders were on scene quickly, coordinating efforts to retrieve victims and provide emergency care. FDNY Assistant Chief Michael Meyers praised the collaboration among agencies, stating that Marine 4 pulled three people from the water and brought them to shore, where EMS teams began resuscitative efforts. The remaining passengers were retrieved by Coast Guard and NYPD vessels and taken to the Yacht Club docks at City Island.

NYPD officers arresting Joshua Brito following a boat explosion

Images from the scene showed heavy black smoke billowing from the vessel as flames engulfed the rear section. Video clips captured the chaotic moments as passengers rushed toward the bow to escape.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion that sparked the fire. Witnesses reported seeing dense smoke from blocks away, describing it as “very thick, heavy, black smoke.”

An unidentified victim is removed by ambulance at the scene of a boat explosion near Hart Island in the Bronx Saturday, June 7, 2025

Brito, a Bronx resident, was arrested at the scene and is awaiting arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court. His charges stem from allegations that he was operating the vessel while intoxicated, putting dozens of lives at risk during the recreational outing.

The fire underscores ongoing concerns over safety and regulation enforcement on New York waterways, especially during peak boating season.

Video of the boat on fire