Authorities have identified Sebastien Gauthier, a 41-year-old from Quebec, as the individual who died following a tragic boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale on Monday evening. The incident occurred at the Lauderdale Marina, located at 1900 SE 15th Street, just before 6 p.m.
The explosion happened after the engines of a 37-foot vessel were started, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The blast caused extensive damage to the boat and ignited a nearby vessel, creating an intense fire that firefighters worked quickly to contain. Dramatic aerial footage showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency crews battled the flames.
At the time of the explosion, seven people were aboard the boat. Six individuals were rushed to local hospitals, with several sustaining serious injuries. Tragically, divers searching the surrounding waters later found Gauthier, who was pronounced dead, bringing the death toll to one.
Surveillance footage captured the chaotic moment of the explosion. The cause of the blast is still under investigation, and officials have not yet determined what triggered the devastating event. The FWC and other agencies are working closely to piece together the circumstances that led to the incident.
Witnesses at the scene described the harrowing experience. Maria Sanz, who was on a nearby boat, recounted, “I thought it was like a firecracker, but when I turned, it was a boat… We saw a lot of smoke. I was screaming, screaming, screaming, and they told us we had to get out right away.” The explosion has left the community shaken, with many expressing their condolences to those affected.
As the investigation continues, officials are emphasizing the importance of safety measures in boating to prevent such tragedies. The families of the injured and deceased are seeking answers and accountability as they cope with the aftermath. Local authorities have extended their sympathies and pledged to determine the cause of the explosion to prevent similar incidents in the future.