Dana Point Harbor Explosion Rattles Neighbors, 8 Boats Damaged

DANA POINT, CA — A boat docked in Dana Point harbor exploded Thursday morning, according to reports. The huge plume of smoke and flame after the explosion could be seen from across the seaside town.

Firefighters and police responded to the scene that originated with one vessel and spread to at least seven others, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

A maintenance worker awoke to the smell of fuel at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday, according to OCSD Sgt. Dennis Breckner. Shortly after, the boat exploded in flame, and seven other boats caught fire during the incident. Orange County Fire Authority firefighters worked to quell the blaze, though at least one boat suffered a major loss. That vessel partially sank, Breckner reported.

The maintenance worker was assessed by firefighter-paramedics and declined to be taken to the hospital.

It is not yet known what caused the explosion, and the damages have not yet been released.

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