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A group of tourists from Omaha, Nebraska narrowly escaped death after their 40-foot tourist boat named “Size Matters” caught fire and became engulfed in flames just off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida. Dramatic video captured the harrowing incident as passengers signaled for help and were eventually rescued by a nearby boat and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the potential dangers and risks associated with recreational boating, especially in popular tourist destinations where boats can be overcrowded and safety protocols may not always be strictly followed. It also showcases the importance of quick emergency response and the heroic actions of bystanders in saving lives during such crises.
The details
The fire reportedly started as the boat was approximately a quarter mile off the coast of Miami Beach, with the group of tourists noticing a burning smell and trying to extinguish the flames themselves before realizing they needed to evacuate. Witnesses captured video of the five-engine vessel being completely engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the air. The passengers were able to signal a nearby boat which came to their rescue, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units later arrived to tow the charred remains of the boat to the nearby Haulover Inlet.
The incident unfolded just before 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2026.
The players
Peter Fink
The owner of the 40-foot tourist boat named “Size Matters” that caught fire.
Jason James
A passenger on the boat who helped signal a nearby boat to come to their rescue.
Irelynn James
A passenger on the boat who credited the heroes who saved them all.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
The emergency response units that arrived by air and sea to assist in the rescue efforts and tow the remains of the burned boat.
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What they’re saying
“Smelled some smoke and, you know, slowed down, figured out it’s our boat.”
— Peter Fink, Boat Owner (WSVN)
“We waved down a boat actually, shot the fire extinguisher a bit up into the air so they could see the smoke from the fire extinguisher and it kind of caught their attention and they pulled over to us and they were amazing.”
— Jason James, Passenger (WSVN)
“We had our heroes here that saved us all, threw us on the other boat.”
— Irelynn James, Passenger (WSVN)
What’s next
Authorities have not yet specified the cause of the fire, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the boat becoming engulfed in flames.
The takeaway
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety and the need for robust emergency response capabilities in popular tourist destinations. It highlights the heroic actions of bystanders and first responders in saving lives, and underscores the potential risks associated with recreational boating that all participants must be mindful of.