Flash Fire and Explosion Injure Two Aboard Boat at Bay Head Marina

Bay Head, N.J. — November 1 — Firefighters from Bay Head Fire Company No. 1 and Mantoloking Fire Company responded to Sanzari Marina and Fuel Dock for a reported boat fire involving a 34-foot vessel following fueling operations.

The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at 666 Lake Avenue. Bay Head police officers and firefighters assisted with evacuating the vessel’s occupants and a dog. Two people sustained injuries and were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. The dog also suffered burns.

Fire crews deployed hoselines, established a water supply and boarded the vessel to investigate conditions. During the operation, firefighters found elevated fuel vapors and evidence of fire inside the boat. Crews conducted ventilation operations to reduce the buildup of flammable vapors and address the risk of another ignition.

Bay Head Fire Chief Andrew Welsh told The Ocean Star that three Bay Head fire apparatus and one Mantoloking apparatus responded. Firefighters used a three-inch hose and a gated Wye valve to establish a water supply for suppression operations.

The Point Pleasant First Aid and Emergency Squad assisted with patient care. Mantoloking police, Ocean County EMS coordinators and New Jersey State Police also responded.

Bay Head firefighters had previously conducted two training exercises at the marina involving similar emergency scenarios. The department credited that preparation with helping crews coordinate their response.

Fire personnel operated at the scene for approximately 75 minutes. The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and New Jersey State Police are investigating the cause of the flash fire and explosion.