Jan. 16 (UPI) — One of the 50 passengers aboard the Florida casino shuttle boat that caught fire Sunday has died, local officials said.
The woman, 42, was pronounced dead at 10:42 p.m. Sunday while being treated for her injuries at Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center, according to authorities.
Information about the cause of her death has not been released.
A total of 36 passengers and 14 crew members were on board the Island Lady, which was headed toward international waters after it embarked from port in Pasco County, just north of Tampa. About 4 p.m. Sunday, the boat caught fire. The boat was close enough to shore that several passengers were able to wade back.
Fifteen people were taken to hospitals for injuries first reported as not life-threatening, including chest pain and smoke inhalation; eight have since been released.
The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday was investigating the cause of the fire.
