22 Rescued After Private Charter Boat Catches Fire in the Bronx

Boat Fire and Rescue Operation

• 🚨 A private charter boat caught fire off the eastern end of Hart Island, forcing nearly two dozen people into the water.
• 🚒 Emergency crews, including FDNY Marine 4, responded to the incident after spotting the burning vessel in the Long Island Sound.
• 🏊‍♀️ A total of 22 people were rescued; three were found in the water with injuries, one critically, while 19 others swam to shore.
• 🏥 First responders staged a massive operation on City Island to treat and transport the rescued individuals.

Investigation Underway

• 🔍 The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
• ⚖️ Police sources indicate the boat's operator has been taken into custody as authorities investigate potential intoxication while operating the vessel.
• ⚠️ The circumstances leading up to the fire are part of an active and complex investigation involving multiple agencies.