Police Division Commander Capt. Lawrence Camacho yesterday said aboard the vessel, which was used for parasailing, were six female tourists, a crew member and the boat captain.
“The Boating Safety Unit received a report at about 9:26 a.m. on Tuesday about a vessel that exploded and was burning just outside the reef in Bouy #2,” Camacho said.
Police Officer Eric David of the Traffic Division said authorities responded to the call for assistance and promptly transported the passengers inland to safety.
The vessel sank, David said.
“All the passengers were safe except for the boat captain who had to be transported to the Commonwealth Health Center for treatment. He sustained minor facial burns and some injuries,” David said.
He said as of yesterday, the cause of the explosion that started the fire was unknown.
The vessel used to be seen in the Hafa Adai Hotel beach area.
“Our Boating Safety officials are still conducting further investigations to determine the cause of the fire,” David said.
Camacho said that explosions and fire incidents involving vessels are very rare in the CNMI.
