Tragedy Strikes as Boat Fire Claims Two Lives in Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay
LONG BEACH, Calif. – A horrifying incident left two women dead and three others injured after a boat caught fire in Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay on Saturday. The incident occurred in the 200 block of Marina Drive around 5 p.m. while the boat was at a fueling dock.
Upon receiving the distress call, firefighters rushed to the scene, where they found a 35′ pleasure craft engulfed in flames. The fire was dangerously close to the fuel dock near Fire Station 21, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.
Witnesses on nearby boats reported hearing a powerful explosion, which was followed by thick black smoke and flames billowing from the boat. Firefighters immediately sprang into action to battle the raging blaze.
Authorities have confirmed that two women in their 60s tragically lost their lives in the incident. Additionally, two men and one woman suffered burn injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The heroic efforts of Long Beach firefighters, aided by the Orange County Fire Authority, ultimately extinguished the fire.
The devastating incident left the boat completely destroyed by the fire. In the ongoing investigation, experts will examine the charred vessel to determine the cause of the fire and any underlying factors.
LBFD Captain Jake Heflin provided initial insights, stating, “Initial reports indicated they were in the process of doing some type of refueling operation, or had just completed a fueling operation. That’s obviously all part of the ongoing investigation.”
The community of Long Beach mourns this tragic loss and stands in solidarity with the families of the victims. As authorities continue their investigation, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety measures when engaging in boating activities.