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T4 News MediaBENELUXpackage5 October 2026

Father, 70, And Daughter Leap From Burning Speedboat After Explosion While Refuelling

This is the moment a 70-year-old father and his daughter are forced to leap from their burning speedboat after an apparent explosion while they were refuelling it.

Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)© Harrisons

This is the moment a 70-year-old father and his daughter are forced to leap from their burning speedboat after an apparent explosion while they were refuelling it.

The blaze broke out shortly after 4pm in the marina at Blankenberge, a coastal city in West Flanders, Belgium, on 3 October.

Footage shows flames erupting around the engine at the rear of the vintage-looking pleasure boat before rapidly spreading towards the small cabin and bow.

The father and daughter can be seen standing at the front of the vessel as they try to keep away from the advancing flames.

As the fire closes in, the daughter jumps into the water before her father is also forced to leap overboard moments later.

A rescue boat then arrives and pulls both of them from the water before taking them to safety. Neither was injured.

Police chief Dimitry Van Damme, of the Blankenberge/Zuienkerke police zone, said: “The occupants had to jump into the water to escape.”

He said the explosion was believed to have happened while the boat was being refuelled, although the exact circumstances are still being investigated.

Witnesses reported hearing a huge bang shortly before the vessel burst into flames, while thick smoke could be seen from some distance away.

The Blankenberge Volunteer Sea Rescue Service began tackling the fire from the water with help from bystanders before firefighters and police arrived.

The blaze was brought under control relatively quickly, but the pleasure boat was badly damaged.

(Harrisons)

Video

Caption: Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. ***Video Licence Restrictions: NEWS MEDIA PORTALS ONLY. Usage on social media is possible but we offer no guarantees. This video is offered under our ‘social and local media source’ licence. For details contact harrisons@t4hub.com© Harrisons

Photos

Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)© Harrisons
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)© Harrisons
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)
Occupants of pleasure boat jump into water after fire in Blankenberge harbor in Belgium, Oct. 3, 2026. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Harrisons)© Harrisons

Editorial team

AccidentsAccidents In WaterExplosion AccidentsEmergencyFires