Boat Fire Near Hart Island Leads to Captain's Arrest

A boat caught fire and exploded near Hart Island in the Long Island Sound off the Bronx on Saturday night, forcing over 20 people into the water and prompting a large multi-agency rescue operation. Emergency responders pulled three people from the water, with one in critical condition and two expected to recover, while 19 others swam to shore and were later checked at a hospital. The boat's captain, Joshua Brito, was arrested and charged with operating the vessel while intoxicated and reckless endangerment. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with initial reports suggesting it began with an onboard explosion. Authorities described the rescue as complex due to the challenges of water extraction and emergency coordination. All affected individuals received medical attention following the incident.