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6 boats damaged in fire at Popeye Marina in Miami

Marina owner says mechanics working on boat when engine caught fire

MIAMI – Six boats were damaged Tuesday afternoon in a fire at a marina in Miami, authorities said.

The fire was reported at Popeye Marina at 830 NW Eighth Street Road.

Two boats caught fire and four others were damaged by the flames and smoke.

"I walked around and I heard another pop, and then that's when I saw the smoke and the flames," Mauricio Vazquez said.

Vazquez said his grandfather has run the business for decades, but could do nothing as it went up in flames.

"I saw people standing outside and I thought, it's no secret what happened here," he said.

A man suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Miami Department of Fire-Rescue crews.

The owner of the establishment, Jorge Vazquez, said two boats were being worked on by mechanics when one of the engines caught fire. 

"We're looking at a possible electrical (issue), we're looking into seeing whatever engine work was done, if that contributed to it, but as you can imagine, it will be very difficult and very challenging seeing as a lot of stuff inside there was destroyed," Miami Department of Fire-Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll said.

Jorge Vazquez said he had hoped to retire soon, but now he is just hoping that his business isn't a total loss.

Authorities said it took more than 50 firefighters to extinguish the flames.


About the Authors
Amanda Batchelor headshot

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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