Eight Injured in Tourist Boat Explosion at Costa Del Sol Resort

A significant explosion occurred on a tourist boat in the Costa del Sol resort of Fuengirola, injuring eight individuals. The incident unfolded at approximately 12:20 PM on Saturday, March 15, 2024, as the boat was departing from the marina. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large plume of black smoke rising into the sky, which was visible from nearby beaches.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene as flames engulfed the vessel. Footage captured by bystanders shows firefighters using hoses from the shore to douse the blaze. Local residents quickly mobilized, with some on jet skis and other boats attempting to assist the passengers trapped on board.

Among the injured, three individuals sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. A spokesperson from the Fuengirola Town Hall confirmed that all eight individuals aboard the boat were injured in the incident.

Local authorities have sealed off the area where the boat sank to facilitate a thorough investigation. The spokesperson stated, “For reasons which are still unclear, there was an explosion and the boat caught fire. Within minutes, rescue workers from the Rescue Service reached the crew and brought them to safety.”

A fisherman on the scene described the boat as an open vessel made of polyester, a material that is highly flammable when combined with fuel. This combination likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The incident occurred just a year after a similar event, where four British tourists were rescued from a luxury yacht explosion off the coast of Menorca. The Andalusian Ports Agency is closely monitoring the situation, assessing the need for anti-spill measures as part of their response to this latest explosion.

As investigations continue, local officials are focusing on ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors in the area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.