Bronx boat fire caused by captain under the influence; he admitted to drinking a beer, according to prosecutors.

The captain of a boat that caught fire in the Bronx, resulting in injuries to 23 passengers, has been charged with operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol. Joshua Brito, 33, was steering a 44-foot cuddy cabin boat when the incident occurred around 8 p.m. on a Saturday near Hart Island. The fire prompted a chaotic evacuation as passengers sought safety from the engulfing flames.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement, officials noted signs of impairment in Brito, who exhibited watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, Brito admitted to consuming a single beer prior to the incident. However, a subsequent chemical analysis revealed his blood alcohol content was measured at .05, slightly above the state-imposed limit of .04 for operating a watercraft.

Investigators reported that Brito indicated the boat had been experiencing mechanical difficulties, claiming he had disconnected the generator two days prior to the fire. Following his arrest for driving the boat while intoxicated, he was released without bail after his arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court.

Initial reports indicate that all 23 occupants of the boat were in stable condition, while one individual was transported to Jacobi Medical Center with critical injuries. Fire department officials confirmed that 20 passengers required hospitalization as a result of the incident. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene showed large clouds of black smoke billowing into the sky.

The FDNY Marine Unit was actively patrolling the water when the fire broke out, allowing them to respond quickly. According to FDNY Assistant Chief Michale Meyers, first responders managed to rescue three individuals from the water, while the remaining passengers swam to Hart Island for safety.

The cause of the fire is presently under investigation, with the Coast Guard conducting its own inquiries into the matter. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding boating safety and the implications of operating under the influence, especially in densely populated urban areas.

As the investigation unfolds, further details may emerge regarding both the circumstances surrounding the fire and the mechanical issues reported by Brito. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.