Investigation Underway After Several Boats Go Up In Flames In Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Three boats went up in flames, forcing two people to jump into the water to escape Friday morning in Brooklyn.
The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. in Plumb Beach Channel near Sheepshead Bay.
Three boats were damaged, and one even sunk below the surface.
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CBS2 obtained cell phone video taken by Nick Frascati, a dock worker, before FDNY and Coast Guard crews arrived on the scene.
"I heard a pop and there was something white floating and then I saw two people jump off," said Frascati.
The two men who jumped survived with injuries officials said were not life threatening.
Two firefighters were also hurt, but their injuries are not serious.
As the flames grew, and spread to a pair of neighboring boats, Frascati ran to the shut-off valve connected to nearby gas pumps.
"I seen the first flame, I shut the gas off," said Frascati.
Dimitry and Lana Nepo spent the morning fishing near Breezy Point. They said it's a good thing they took their boat out - their slip was in the fire zone.
"I'm lucky I'm leaving at 8 o'clock in the morning," said Dimitry.
Oil that spilled into the water must be cleaned before the damaged slips can reopen.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but boaters told CBS2 it may be related to fuel line leak.
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