An American tourist died when a tour boat in the Bahamas exploded on Saturday morning. There were 10 tourists – all Americans – and 2 Bahamian crew members onboard the 40-foot chartered boat when an engine exploded. Witnesses say those onboard were leaping from the boat.
Of the 12 people onboard, 10 were injured after the boat quickly was consumed by flames. The US Coast Guard airlifted 4 American tourists to a nearby Florida hospital, while other passengers were taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau over 100 miles away for treatment, among those was the boat captain who has since been discharged. Four Americans are now back in the United States.
One of the American tourists taken to a hospital was 22-year-old Stefanie Schaffer, a dancer from Vermont. She is in a medically-induced coma after having both legs amputated. Her sister, Brook, and parents, Stacey and Paul, were also onboard the boat for what was supposed to be part of a relaxing vacation.
The boat was set to take off on a tour from Barraterre island in Exuma Cays, one of the most popular Bahamas tourist destinations, to see Bahamas famous ocean-swimming pigs. Passengers from a nearby tour boat helped to rescue those from the burning boat.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force Exuma branch is investigation the cause of the explosion.
