A tragic incident occurred in Long Beach when a pleasure boat exploded and caught fire at a refueling dock. According to a retired Coast Guard crew member who participated in the rescue efforts, the vessel was engulfed in flames within seconds.
The explosion resulted in the deaths of two women and left two men and a woman injured. Cory Valdes, a Long Beach resident and retired Coast Guard member, described his immediate response to assist after witnessing the 35-foot powerboat explode into flames.
Valdes, who frequently visits the marina, was on his friend’s small boat when the incident happened. He recounted how the powerboat went up in flames rapidly, in a matter of ten to fifteen seconds. Valdes felt compelled to help and said, “I just knew we had to go over there and help.”
He described the explosion as incredibly loud, shaking those who witnessed it. One man managed to escape onto the dock, while another man jumped into the water from the back of the powerboat before the flames spread. Additionally, a woman leaped into the bay to save herself.
Valdes focused on rescuing the struggling woman from the water, while his friend maneuvered their small vessel to help the other man who was partially submerged. Meanwhile, two fuel attendants attempted to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful.
In a race against time, Valdes and his friend fetched a hose and utilized it to control the fire until a fire boat arrived with a water cannon. Throughout the ordeal, Valdes heard yelling and what he believed to be screaming from the two individuals still on board the powerboat.
When the flames subsided, Valdes assisted in securing the damaged vessel to the dock. He informed the arriving firefighters that there were still two people on board, although they initially struggled to locate them within the boat.
Valdes expressed his utmost effort in preventing further loss of life and property. However, the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with fueling during the process or immediately after as the potential trigger.
Both Valdes and fire officials emphasized the dangers of fueling, particularly when the engine is restarted before fuel vapors dissipate. Valdes remarked on the surprising size of the explosion, given the relatively larger size of the powerboat.
Based on his experience and observation, Valdes speculated that the explosion may have stunned or rendered unconscious the women inside the boat. The rapid spread of the flames would have hindered the other three individuals from reaching them.
The survivors were hospitalized, and there is currently no update on their condition. The identities of the two women who tragically lost their lives have not been released to the public.
The partially submerged boat was initially attempted to be towed to an isolation dock but took on water. Salvage crews will be called upon to remove the vessel from the water.
As a boat owner himself, Valdes emphasized the importance of maintaining equipment and staying attentive while boating at all times.
Staff columnist Jo Murray contributed to this report.
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