An explosion on a boat in the Costa del Sol resort of Fuengirola has left eight people injured, with three of them in serious condition and hospitalized. The incident took place as the motorboat, referred to as a tourist boat locally, was departing the marina in the Spanish town.
Firefighters at the marina were seen extinguishing the flames with hoses after locals on jet skis and other boats came to assist the passengers and help put out the fire. Witnesses reported black smoke rising into the air, prompting emergency services to respond to the scene.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but a fisherman working in the area mentioned the boat was made of polyester, a material that ignites quickly when in contact with fuel. The boat eventually sank due to the fire onboard, leading to the area being cordoned off for further investigation.
Fuengirola Town Hall released a statement confirming the response from Rescue and Lifesaving Services, the Fire Department, Local Police, and the Civil Guard to the incident. All eight individuals on board were injured, with three in serious condition, and were attended to by emergency medical personnel. The Andalusian Ports Agency is monitoring the situation for any necessary anti-spill measures.
This incident follows a similar event in Menorca last year, where four British nationals were rescued from a burning motor yacht that eventually sank. Additionally, a British couple sustained injuries in a boat explosion in Majorca in June last year, while earlier in the same month, a British holidaymaker was among those injured in a boat explosion in Cabo Roig near Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.
Authorities are investigating the Fuengirola boat explosion, with efforts focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the fire and subsequent sinking of the vessel.
