6 remain hospitalized in boat blast

TAMPA, Fla., May 10 (UPI) -- Six people remained hospitalized in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, one day after a 33-foot cabin cruiser exploded at a popular recreation spot.

George Meyer, 56, and his wife Nancy Meyer, 54, who owned the boat, were hospitalized at Tampa General Hospital, along with family members Logan Meyer, 7, and Angela Meyer, 36, both of Denver, Iowa; and Carrie Atherton, 32, and Mike Atherton, 32, of Lutz, Fla., the Tampa Tribune reported.

A total of 11 extended family members were onboard the Meyers' Sea Ray cruiser as it was anchored off crowded Pine Key Island south of Tampa when, witnesses said, it exploded with a tremendous blast and was quickly engulfed in flames.

The newspaper said investigators towed the ruined vessel to shore Sunday, hoping to find clues to what caused the explosion.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Gary Morse told reporters four of the Meyers' grandchildren were treated and released for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. One child on the boat was not injured and three other family members who were wading about 30 feet away also were unhurt.

"It was an absolute miracle that people survived," Morse said. "It is the worst one I've seen."