Crews extinguish yacht fire that led to evacuation of NW Miami-Dade strip club; no injuries reported – WSVN 7News | Miami news, weather, sports

On January 20, 2025By Littum

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – Crews extinguished a yacht fire on the Miami River that broke out overnight behind a strip club in northwest Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene of the fire near Booby Trap On The River, along the 3600 block of Northwest South River Drive, early Sunday morning.

Officials said about 15 people were on board the 95-foot vessel when heavy smoke began filling the cabin.

“We got everybody out of the boat and then, within maybe five minutes of that, the flames just started coming through the top of the boat and through the sides,” said Michael Markefka with Booby Trap.

The nightclub was evacuated as a precaution while firefighters worked to put out the flames.

About 30 firefighters went out to extinguish the fire.

“Because of the fuel, the fuel on board and the size of the vessel, it was a large fire, very difficult to fight,” MDFR spokesman Nicholas DiGiacomo said.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire. However, the yacht sank and was declared a total loss.

“Because of how much water the vessel was taking on, she ended up rolling and capsizing at the dock and unfortunately she took two pylons with her,” DiGiacomo said.

Units remained on site to contain fuel from the vessel and minimize environmental impacts.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.