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Most boaters check the basic safety rules before going out on the water. They make sure they have the appropriate number and styles of life jackets for themselves and any passengers. They check to be sure they have first-aid kits and an accurate weather forecast. Few boaters may perform routine maintenance or check for any mechanical issues before starting the engine(s).  If these steps are skipped, boaters may be putting themselves and their passengers at risk of being victims of boat explosions or fires. 

Many may falsely believe a boat won’t catch fire because it is a water vessel. However, since recreational boats have fewer built-in protections than cars, SUVs, and trucks, boat owners must follow careful safety procedures. If they do not, there may be serious and even fatal injuries caused by explosions and fires. 

On January 8, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) responded to a boat fire in the Florida Keys. The boat was engulfed, and two people narrowly escaped with their lives. The USCG reported the accident happened in the Hawk Channel off Islamorada. 

CNN reported a boat with 21 occupants suffered a series of explosions in Fort Lauderdale in October 2020. Thirteen people suffered injuries ranging from first to third-degree burns. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the accident that happened on the New River in Fort Lauderdale.  

Recreational boats may incur explosions and/or fires because of: 

• Overheated grease in the galley
• Overloaded or poorly wired electrical systems and appliances
• Overheated engines/propulsion systems
• Rags in contact with the turbocharger or exhaust system
• Leaking fuel or gas lines, or poor refueling techniques

A small spark can set off a fire or an explosion. A small human error or shoddy manufacturing and/or maintenance can cause a destructive blaze. Both manufacturers and maintenance services must provide consumers with safe products. When they do not put the consumer’s safety first, they may be liable for injuries and/or tragic deaths related to their products. For information on all active boat recalls, the USCG provides a Spring 2021 Boating Safety Circular. The current circular shows that recalls involve fuel systems and electrical problems. 

“Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. handles accidents involving boats, wave runners, jet skis, and all types of watercraft, large, or small. Whether you were an operator or a passenger of a watercraft, or a swimmer who was involved in a boating accident, we can help,” said Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall Spivey. “If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, our Fort Myers personal injury legal team can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve. Please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. for a free consultation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We are available 24/7 to assist you and your family.”

Fort Myers Boating Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.