BRONX, N.Y. – A Bronx man has been indicted on assault and reckless endangerment charges after prosecutors say he piloted a charter boat without a license while drinking, leading to a fiery explosion that forced more than 20 passengers to leap into Long Island Sound.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced Friday that Joshua Brito, 33, of East 203rd Street, was arraigned on multiple charges, including first-degree assault, vehicular assault, reckless endangerment, and operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. He is due back in court October 29.
According to the investigation, on June 7 Brito operated a 36-foot charter boat for hire, collecting more than $3,000 from 22 passengers celebrating a family birthday. The trip began at the World’s Fair Marina in Queens and headed north through the Long Island Sound.
Off the coast of Hart Island and City Island, the boat suddenly exploded and caught fire. All passengers were forced into the water. A woman nearly drowned before being pulled to safety by FDNY marine units, who performed CPR at the scene. A man suffered severe burns after falling into the flames and later required skin grafts.
Prosecutors said Brito, who did not have a captain’s license, was seen drinking alongside passengers during the voyage.
Clark credited the work of FDNY, NYPD, U.S. Coast Guard, and NYC Parks Department crews for saving lives during the emergency.
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Key Points
- Joshua Brito, 33, of the Bronx, indicted after a boat explosion injured two people off City Island.
- Prosecutors say he operated the vessel without a license while drinking and carrying 22 passengers.
- FDNY marine units rescued a drowning woman, and a man suffered severe burns in the fire.