A boat fire near City Island in the Bronx left more than 20 people injured Saturday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency response and resulting in the arrest of the vessel’s captain.
Authorities say Joshua Brito, 33, was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment following the incident, which occurred around 8 p.m. near the eastern tip of Hart Island, according to WABC.
A total of 22 passengers were hurt in the blaze, with one person listed in critical condition.
According to officials, Marine 4, a New York City Fire Department (FDNY) vessel, spotted the burning boat while on routine patrol in Long Island Sound. The crew quickly initiated a rescue, pulling three individuals from the water, while 19 others managed to swim to shore on Hart Island. Emergency responders — including units from the FDNY, NYPD, and U.S. Coast Guard — transported victims to City Island for medical evaluation and hospital care.
“Marine 4 gave a verbal for a boat fire and multiple people in the water to the Bronx dispatcher,” said FDNY Assistant Chief Mike Meyers. “They transported three people to a nearby dock where Engine 70 and EMS teams were waiting to begin CPR.”
The remaining passengers were rescued by police and Coast Guard units and brought to safety at the City Island Yacht Club.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but said the vessel appeared to be large enough to accommodate a significant number of people.
“Marine 4 had spotted the boat earlier in the evening and noted it was carrying a lot of passengers,” Meyers added.
With input from Fox News
