A devastating boat fire in Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay claimed the lives of two women and left three others injured on Saturday. The incident unfolded at approximately 5 p.m., when flames engulfed a boat at a fueling dock along the 200 block of Marina Drive.
Promptly responding to the emergency, firefighters from the Long Beach Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority rushed to the scene, where they encountered a 35′ pleasure craft that was already engulfed in flames. The fire had erupted in close proximity to the fuel dock near Fire Station 21, sending clouds of thick black smoke billowing into the air and causing nearby boaters to report hearing a powerful blast.
Despite the valiant efforts of the firefighting teams, the boat was tragically destroyed by the blaze. As the scene was brought under control, the extent of the loss became apparent. Two women in their 60s lost their lives in the fire, and three other individuals – two men and a woman – sustained burn injuries requiring hospitalization.
Investigations are now underway to unravel the sequence of events leading to this devastating boat fire. Initial reports indicate that the boat may have been involved in a refueling operation, or had just completed one. LBFD Capt. Jake Heflin emphasized that these details are all part of the ongoing investigation aimed at uncovering the exact cause of the tragedy.
The Long Beach Fire Department’s response to the incident was augmented by the collaboration of the Orange County Fire Authority. The combined efforts of these teams played a crucial role in extinguishing the fire and mitigating further damage.
This unfortunate incident underscores the potential risks associated with boat activities, particularly those involving fueling operations. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and exercising caution while operating watercraft.
As investigations continue, our thoughts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time. We will keep you updated on any developments emerging from this tragic boat accident in Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay.
Incidents like these often leave victims with the right to pursue a claim. As one of the premier catastrophic personal injury law firms in California, Callahan & Blaine has obtained numerous record-breaking verdicts and settlements, including a $934 Million jury verdict, the highest in Orange County history. If you or someone you know has suffered a catastrophic injury or died as the result of an accident, contact the best personal injury attorneys in Orange County for expert legal counsel at (714) 241-4444.
