The tranquil predawn hours of a Sunday morning in Miami were shattered by an unexpected and dramatic inferno that consumed a 95-foot luxury yacht docked outside the Booby Trap On The River, a popular strip club. The vessel, reportedly rented by renowned hip-hop producer Metro Boomin, became engulfed in flames shortly after docking at approximately 3:00 a.m., triggering a swift evacuation and a massive response from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The incident, witnessed by stunned onlookers, unfolded rapidly, transforming a scene of leisure into a spectacle of destruction.
The initial signs of trouble emerged as what sounded like fire alarms emanating from the yacht, followed by the appearance of smoke billowing from within. Alert staff at the Booby Trap On The River immediately recognized the potential danger and sprang into action, facilitating the evacuation of approximately ten individuals onboard, including Metro Boomin and five crew members. This swift response proved crucial, ensuring that everyone onboard escaped unharmed before the flames escalated. The club’s director of security, Michael Marhefka, recounted the events, emphasizing the rapid progression from the initial alarm sounds to the visible signs of smoke and the subsequent evacuation.
With all individuals safely ashore, the fire intensified, rapidly engulfing the yacht in a raging inferno. The escalating blaze prompted a significant response from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, who dispatched over 30 units to the scene. This included both land-based units and specialized fire rescue boats, deployed to combat the flames from multiple angles. The sheer size of the yacht and its substantial fuel load presented significant challenges to the firefighting efforts, contributing to the dramatic scale of the blaze. The spectacle drew a large crowd of onlookers, mesmerized by the intensity of the fire.
Eyewitnesses described the fire as “unexpected” and a sight unlike anything they had ever witnessed. The scale and intensity of the flames instilled fear in observers, who watched in awe as the fire consumed the vessel. Despite the valiant efforts of the fire crews, the yacht ultimately succumbed to the blaze and sank into the Miami River. Remarkably, and thanks to the quick evacuation efforts, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The successful evacuation underscored the importance of the club staff’s swift action and the effective response of the fire rescue teams.
In the aftermath of the fire, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue focused on mitigating the environmental impact of the incident, particularly the potential for fuel leakage into the Miami River. Specialized oil spill response equipment, including oil-absorbent booms, were deployed to contain and absorb any fuel runoff. These booms, described as strong mesh-like sleeves filled with highly absorbent material, were used to soak up oil and surface sheen, minimizing the pollution of the river. This proactive approach reflected a commitment to environmental protection alongside the efforts to control and extinguish the fire.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed the luxury yacht. As of the latest reports, Metro Boomin, the prominent hip-hop producer linked to the rental of the vessel, has not released a public statement regarding the incident. The investigation will likely focus on various potential factors, including mechanical issues, electrical malfunctions, or any other contributory elements that might have sparked the blaze. The findings of the investigation will shed light on the circumstances that led to this dramatic and destructive event.
