A likely cause of a boat explosion on Oct. 18, 2025 at the Channel Islands Harbor fuel dock was gasoline fumes in the bilge igniting. The source of the ignition is still under investigation.

At approximately 3:20 p.m., a 30-foot motor vessel exploded after fueling while docked at the fuel dock. The force of the blast was significant, with witnesses reporting a loud “boom” that shook the nearby Ventura County Harbor Patrol office.

Three individuals were on board the vessel at the time. One person was transported to a local hospital, while the others declined medical treatment at the scene.

Once the boaters were removed from the fuel dock, Ventura County Harbor Patrol responded, prioritizing the removal of the vessel from the fuel dock to prevent further danger, including the risk of igniting fueling infrastructure. Harbor Patrol Officer Matt Allport acted quickly to tow the burning vessel away from the dock, minimizing the potential for further damage.

Manson Construction, who is currently performing dredging operations at the Harbor, provided critical assistance using their work vessel equipped with water-pumping capability. Their rapid response was instrumental in helping suppress the flames and prevent the fire from spreading.

Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Ventura Harbor Patrol, Oxnard Fire Department, TowBoatUS, and medical personnel were also on scene, assisting with fire suppression efforts, pollution containment, and providing aid to the affected individuals.

“We’re extremely grateful to Manson Construction for stepping in so quickly and providing critical assistance,” said Ventura County Harbor Department Harbormaster Andy Werner. “We also want to thank all of our first responders for their coordinated efforts – especially Harbor Patrol Officer Allport and our patrol team, whose quick action in pulling the burning vessel away from the fuel dock prevented what could have been a much more serious situation.”