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Quebec man dead after boat explodes in Florida marina, also injuring 6

A 41-year-old man from Quebec died following a boat explosion at a South Florida marina that also injured six people. The explosion occurred Monday, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the man's identity to CBC on Wednesday.

Sebastien Gauthier, 41, among passengers aboard vessel at Fort Lauderdale marina

Quebec man reportedly killed in boat explosion in Florida

2 days ago
Duration 1:34
Multiple U.S. news outlets are reporting a Quebec man has died after a powerful boat explosion at a Florida marina that injured several others.

A man from Quebec has died following a boat explosion at a South Florida marina this week that also injured six people, officials say.

The explosion was Monday and the man has been identified as Sebastien Gauthier, 41, said Arielle Callender, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in a statement to CBC News.

Gauthier was among seven passengers aboard a 37-foot [11.3-metre] vessel at the Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale.

People standing on the edge of a pier survey the charred remains of a boat in the water.
People survey the charred remains of a boat following an explosion in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Tuesday. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/The Associated Press)

According to preliminary information, the vessel exploded after its engines were started, said Callender.

The six other passengers were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Callender said an investigation by the FWC is ongoing. 

"Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gauthier during this difficult time," she wrote.  

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cassandra Yanez-Leyton is a journalist for CBC News based in Montreal. You can email her story ideas at cassandra.yanez-leyton@cbc.ca.