Cause Of Keyport Boat Explosion Still Unknown

KEYPORT, NJ — As of Tuesday afternoon, it is still unknown what exactly caused one boat to explode Monday at a Keyport marina, with the fire rapidly spreading to two more boats docked nearby.

The owners of local marinas in the area said they have no idea what caused the two explosions, and said they do not have concerns the explosions could be connected.

Witnesses said they heard an explosion at 2:30 p.m. and State Police responded to the boat fire at 3:10 p.m. at the Brown Point Marina.

"Based on a preliminary investigation, one vessel caught fire for an unknown reason, and due to the winds, two additional vessels also caught fire," said State Police Tuesday. "All three vessels were unoccupied."

Keyport volunteer Fire Dept. led the response and two firefighters were injured, said a spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutor. One was treated on the scene, and the other did have to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was later released.

All three boats were destroyed and a complete loss. There was minor pier damage.

"The investigation is still ongoing as to the cause, but nothing appears to be suspicious at this time," said the prosecutor's spokesman.

The scene was cleared around approximately 6:30 p.m.

This is the second boat to explode in that area this summer: On Aug. 28, a 32-foot motorboat exploded at Raritan Marina in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge. It exploded after getting 75 gallons of gas at Raritan Marina. The cause of that explosion was never released, either.

Monday: No Cause Released On Keyport Boat Explosion Monday Afternoon