Eight Injured in Explosive Fire Aboard Tourist Boat in Costa del Sol

A significant explosion aboard a tourist boat in the Costa del Sol resort of Fuengirola left eight people injured on July 15, 2023. The incident occurred as the boat was departing from the marina, resulting in a dramatic fire that sent plumes of smoke into the air, visible from nearby beaches.

Witnesses reported the alarming sight shortly after 12:20 PM, prompting immediate emergency responses. Video footage captured the moment as firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the flames engulfing the vessel. Local residents, including those on jet skis and other boats, rushed to assist the passengers who were trapped aboard.

According to a spokesperson from the Fuengirola Town Hall, all eight individuals on the boat sustained injuries, with three suffering serious wounds requiring hospitalization. The spokesperson stated, “For reasons which are still unclear, there was an explosion and the boat caught fire.” Emergency responders from the Rescue and Lifesaving Service, Fire Department, Local Police Force, and the Civil Guard all participated in the rescue efforts.

As the fire intensified, the vessel ultimately sank. The area surrounding where the boat submerged has been cordoned off by local emergency services to facilitate an ongoing investigation into the cause of the explosion. A fisherman at the scene commented on the vessel’s construction, noting that the use of polyester for the open boat combined with fuel posed a significant risk due to the material’s flammability.

The local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with officials from the Andalusian Ports Agency assessing the need for anti-spill measures in the wake of the incident. This explosion comes just one year after a similar incident involving a luxury yacht explosion off the coast of Menorca, where four British citizens were rescued.

As investigations continue, the community remains on alert, and officials urge those in the area to remain cautious as they work to establish the cause of this alarming event.