Man Faces Charges After Boat Explosion Forces Over 20 People to Jump into Long Island Sound Near City Island in New York

It was a calm Saturday evening on Long Island Sound near New York City when chaos suddenly erupted.

Around 8:30 pm, a boat caught fire near City Island in the Bronx, forcing over 20 people onboard to make a desperate leap into the water to escape the blaze.

What began as a routine outing quickly turned into a terrifying emergency.

Explosion on Board Sparks Panic and Flames

According to officials, the fire was triggered by an explosion aboard the 44-foot powerboat with an enclosed cabin.

Thick, black smoke billowed into the sky, with social media flooded by videos showing the fire rapidly consuming the rear of the vessel.

Passengers scrambled to the front of the boat, trying to get as far from the flames as possible while some jumped into the cold waters of the Sound.

Rescue Efforts Save Most Passengers

Emergency responders sprang into action immediately after receiving distress calls.

The New York City Fire Department’s marine unit was first on the scene and managed to pull three individuals from the water.

The rest of the passengers swam to nearby Hart Island, where they awaited rescue.

The NYPD Coast Guard and FDNY boats arrived promptly to ferry everyone back safely to City Island’s Yacht Club docks.

Injuries and Arrest Shake the Community

Of those onboard, three adults were injured — one is in critical condition, another in serious condition, and a third is stable.

The ages of those involved ranged widely from 18 to 58 years old.

The boat’s captain, Joshua Brito, 33, from the Bronx, was arrested and faces charges including driving while intoxicated (DWI) and reckless endangerment, according to the NYPD. His arraignment was scheduled to take place in Bronx Criminal Court the following day.

Firsthand Accounts Highlight the Chaos

A witness described the terrifying scene to The New York Post, recalling how thick black smoke suddenly filled the air while walking nearby.

Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Meyers praised the swift coordination between marine and land units, EMS teams, and city partners that ultimately saved lives during the crisis.

He emphasized how the joint efforts showed the strength of New York’s emergency response system.

Authorities Continue Investigations into Cause

While an explosion is believed to have caused the fire, officials have yet to confirm the exact cause of the incident.

Investigators are still working to piece together what led to the devastating blaze that transformed a peaceful night on the water into a frightening rescue operation.