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A dramatic rescue unfolded off the Florida coast on Monday when a good Samaritan sprang into action to save two boaters from their burning vessel. The incident occurred near Hallandale Beach, where Judson Grosvenor witnessed the unfolding emergency and became the first responder on the scene.
In an interview with 7News Miami, Grosvenor recounted the tense moments. “It was totally in flames when we got there,” he described, recalling the sight of the 35-foot boat engulfed in fire.
Upon spotting the thick smoke, Grosvenor immediately contacted the U.S. Coast Guard while making his way toward the stricken vessel. His timely intervention was crucial in ensuring the safety of the two individuals aboard.
Thanks to Grosvenor’s quick actions, both boaters were rescued from the perilous situation, averting what could have been a tragic outcome. The incident has been a reminder of the courage and humanity that can emerge in moments of crisis.
Two boaters were rescued from the burning 35-foot vessel off the coast of Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (7News Miami WSVN)
When he arrived to find the boat fully engulfed in flames, he said he spotted one person in the water and quickly worked to pull them aboard his own vessel.
A good Samaritan said he spotted the smoke and called the U.S. Coast Guard as he raced his vessel to the scene of the burning boat off the coast of Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (7News Miami WSVN)
“We picked him up,” Grosvenor said. “He said there was another guy in a life jacket floating off to the north of the boat.”
It was unclear how the fire started aboard the boat off the coast of Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (7News Miami WSVN)
First responders then arrived, according to Grosvenor, who said he jumped off his boat and swam into the water to find the second boater and lead the Coast Guard to him.
“He seemed very calm for someone whose boat just erupted in fire,” Grosvenor told the outlet of the second boater.
U.S. Coast Guard and other first responder vessels extinguished the fire aboard the 35-foot boat off the coast of Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (7News Miami WSVN)
The two boaters were safely taken to shore, and no injuries were reported.
“Yeah, mariners look out for each other. I am sure that another boat would have come if we didn’t,” he said.
Units from Hollywood Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue also responded to the fire.
Officials said an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.