22 Tourists Flee Fiery Boat Explosion into Open Water

The captain of a charter boat that erupted into a massive fireball off the Bronx coastline Saturday night has been arrested for operating the vessel under the influence—leaving nearly two dozen passengers scrambling to survive in open water.

Authorities say 33-year-old Joshua Brito, now facing multiple criminal charges including driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment, was at the helm of the 35-foot recreational boat when it suddenly exploded near Hart Island around 9 p.m.

“It was chaos,” said NYPD harbor patrol officer Luis Mercado. “We found people screaming in the dark, swimming through gasoline-slicked water, some clinging to debris. It’s a miracle no one drowned.”

A Night Out Turns Into a Nightmare

The boat had reportedly been chartered for a private sunset cruise departing from City Island. According to early reports, the evening began with music, food, and drinks aboard the vessel, which was carrying 23 people, including families and young children. But within moments, that leisure turned to horror.

Fire investigators believe the blaze began in the engine compartment and quickly spread. Several witnesses described hearing a loud bang followed by a wall of flame. Some said they jumped overboard without life vests as fire engulfed the boat.

“There was this huge boom, and the back of the boat just lit up,” said passenger Erica Morales, 28, who was celebrating her sister’s birthday. “We all screamed and jumped into the water. The fire was everywhere.”

Desperate Swim to Safety

The fire was so intense that passengers had to swim nearly a quarter-mile through the darkened East River to reach Hart Island, a 131-acre former burial ground for the city’s unclaimed dead.

Emergency crews from the FDNY and NYPD raced to the scene with helicopters, marine units, and fireboats. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded, ultimately rescuing survivors and ferrying them back to City Island.

Twenty-two passengers were treated for minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation and cuts sustained while escaping the burning boat. One person was seriously injured—reportedly suffering burns and a broken leg—but is listed in stable condition at a nearby hospital.

Captain in Custody

Police say Brito appeared “visibly intoxicated” when first responders pulled him from the water. He allegedly reeked of alcohol and was “slurring his words” during initial questioning. A breathalyzer test at the scene confirmed high blood alcohol levels, according to law enforcement sources.

“He endangered everyone on board,” said Assistant FDNY Chief Michael Dalton during a Sunday morning press briefing. “This could have ended in mass fatalities.”

Brito is expected to be arraigned Sunday in Bronx Criminal Court.

Not His First Run-In?

Sources familiar with Brito say this isn’t the first time he’s been in trouble on the water. According to Coast Guard records, he was previously cited for safety violations on another vessel in 2022, though no formal charges were filed at the time.

“He always acted like he was above the law,” said a former coworker who asked not to be named. “I stopped working with him after I saw him drink while operating a boat. I knew something like this was bound to happen.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion. Early indications suggest a possible fuel leak ignited by a spark from the engine. The U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD’s Arson & Explosion Squad are leading the probe.

“This was a tragedy narrowly avoided,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban. “We will be looking closely at how this vessel was operated and whether any laws were ignored in the name of profit.”

The charred remains of the boat have been towed to a secure location for forensic inspection.

Passengers are now considering legal action against the charter company.

“This was supposed to be a beautiful night,” Morales said. “Instead, we’re lucky to be alive.”