Driver arrested as NYC boat explosion sparks panic among 22 passengers
What began as a routine boat ride in NYC turned into chaos when an explosion forced 22 terrified passengers into the water and ended with the driver in handcuffs.
The captain of a boat that caught fire off the coast of the Bronx on Saturday night in New York City was arrested for drunk driving and injuring 22 passengers, New York City police reported.
The driver, identified as 33-year-old Joshua Brito, will face charges of drunk driving and improper conduct following the incident that occurred yesterday in New York City around 9 p.m. The fire caused passengers to jump into the sea to avoid the flames, with most people heading near Hart Island, local law enforcement sources said.
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FDNY rescues 3 after NYC boat fire; 19 swim to Hart Island for help
The New York Fire Department (FDNY) reported that three people were rescued from the water by nearby marine units. The other 19 people swam to the shore of Hart Island and were then taken to the nearest emergency services for further evaluation and to determine if they had suffered any other consequences following the fire.
Myke Meyers, FDNY Deputy Chief, commented on the fire and subsequent water rescue. “To accommodate so many people, the boat had to be a good size. Marine Corps 4 spotted them that same afternoon and said there were a lot of people on it,” Meyers said.
FDNY called NYC boat rescue 'incredibly complex' as Captain Joshua Brito faces charges
Meyers, the FDNY Deputy Chief, commented that the operation to transfer the patients from the water was an “incredibly complex” operation due to the potential for simultaneous coordination between ground and emergency medical units.
Local authorities stated that the incident occurred a few minutes after 8 p.m., very close to the eastern part of Hart Island, when Marine Corps 4, the New York City Fire Department boat, was on routine patrol there and spotted the boat on fire. Joshua Brito is expected to be arraigned today in Bronx Criminal Court on the aforementioned charges.
