A day after a boat explosion at Haulover Beach sent 11 people to the hospital, a woman who was on board the boat described what she experienced.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, over 25 units, alongside Ocean Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to reports of a possible boat explosion near the Haulover Sandbar on Saturday.
Ruth Gutierrez told NBC6 on Sunday that she was aboard the boat along with 12 others.
She said it was supposed to be a birthday celebration out on the water, but it quickly turned into a nightmare that left her with physical and mental wounds.
Before the boat exploded, Gutierrez said she smelled a strong gasoline odor.
“We didn’t cook on board; we brought everything already cooked,” she said in Spanish. “Everything was already prepared, so we didn’t have to use anything from that boat.”
Minutes later, there was an explosion.
“I threw myself into the water without thinking twice, because my intention was to die by drowning rather than by burning,” she said.
Gutierrez suffered burns to her right arm, but told NBC6 that her whole body is in pain.
So far, she’s the only one who has been released from the hospital.
She also said a 15-year-old was on board and had to undergo surgery on his leg.
“I was the one who got lucky, because everyone else is currently in intensive care, suffering from ruptures, burns of varying degrees, and facial burns,” she said.
NBC6 learned that the boat involved in the incident is a Sea Ray Express Cruiser, and, according to the manufacturer, it can legally hold 10-12 people.
Investigators have not confirmed the official cause of the explosion as the investigation remains active.