A boat trip ended in tragedy near City Island, in the Bronx, New York, when a boat caught fire with 22 people on board. The captain, Joshua Brito, was arrested on charges of drunk driving and reckless endangerment.

The emergency occurred Saturday around 8:00 p.m. near the eastern end of Hart Island in Long Island Sound. Rescue units responded quickly after detecting the fire aboard a boat carrying 22 people.

According to authorities, at least one person remains in critical condition, while the rest suffered injuries of varying severity.

Rescue and Evacuation

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) Marine 4 boat, which was patrolling the area, was the first to detect the emergency. Three people were pulled directly from the water, while 19 others managed to swim to shore on Hart Island.

These people were then transported by Coast Guard, police, and firefighters to City Island, where they received medical attention.

"Marine 4 reported a fire with multiple people in the water. Ground and emergency units were immediately activated," said Mike Meyers, FDNY Deputy Chief.

Captain Arrested for DUI

The boat's captain, Joshua Brito, 33, was arrested and faces charges of driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment.

Authorities said the boat was carrying a significant number of people, which also raises questions about boating safety compliance.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. FDNY officials and police are working to determine if there was mechanical failure, overcrowding, or operational negligence.

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