Burn victim survives boat fire in Leonardo

Story and photos by ALYSSA PASSEGGIO

The burn victim of the boat fire in Leonardo State Marina, Middletown, was pulled to safety by a “good Samaritan” on Wednesday, Sept. 5, according to Andy Spears, the public information officer for the Middletown Township Fire Department.

According to Spears, the 48-year-old man had first- and second-degree burns over 25 percent of his body when he was flown to St. Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston, Spears said.

Middletown dispatchers received a phone call about a boat fire with possible injuries around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon. Community Fire Company and Brevent Park Company responded to the fire, as well as all Middletown first aid squads, he said.

The Bayliner 26-foot Cabin Cruiser boat suffered “major damage” to its interior living portion, according to Spears. The boat was in the dock and surrounded by other vessels when the fire was discovered, but no other boats were damaged.

An investigation is being handled by the State Police Marina Division, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Middletown fire marshal and possibly the Monmouth County fire marshal, Spears said.