The child, listed in stable condition, along with three adults had, just arrived at the Hagåtña Boat Basin when an explosion occurred on their boat.
Two adults, a 60-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, were transported with the boy to Guam Memorial Hospital for second degree burns. The 60-year-old woman, identified as the boy’s grandmother, and the 40-year-old man, the boy’s father, were treated and released.
A fourth adult was reported injured.
However, GMH nursing supervisor Cely Mangrobang indicated that only three people were in the emergency room Saturday night.
Also on board was Saipan Rep. Diego T. Benavente, but it was not known if he was one of the individuals injured.
Officer A.J. Balajadia, Guam Police Department spokesman, said the incident was reported between 6:25 p.m. and 6:50 p.m. on Saturday.
“We have reports they had just finished gassing and shortly afterward, it exploded,” said Balajadia.
The boat was participating in the annual fishing derby.
Guam Fire Department personnel were called to the scene to put out the fire.
GPD officers blocked off Marine Corps Drive from the GCIC building to the Chief Quipuha loop for safety reasons.
The impact of the explosion was so great that it knocked off the casings of the gas pumps the boat was docked next to.
Balajadia said injuries were caused by debris and not the impact of the explosion.
According to Manny Duenas, president of the Fisherman’s Co-Operative, “It’s a boating accident and that’s something we have to be really cognizant about especially as boaters and especially if we have on board engines. We have to ventilate the engine room before we start the engine…. Basically the gentleman tried to start the engine and I’m not saying whether there was fault or negligence — you have to ventilate because gas fumes are very dangerous. Fumes are more dangerous than the gas itself.”
He couldn’t say if the incident happened before the vessel set out to sea or as it was coming back to the boat basin.
Port Authority Harbor Master Frank Santos said a full investigation will be conducted not only his office but also the U.S. Coast Guard.
