A 16-year-old from the United Kingdom died from extensive burns sustained in a boat explosion while on vacation with her family in the Dominican Republic. Abigail Lainton, known as Abbie, was hospitalized following the incident on July 27 and passed away three days later.
The explosion occurred on a pleasure cruiser carrying around 35 tourists near Cotubanama National Park as it returned from a trip to Saona Island. Abbie Lainton suffered first- and second-degree burns over 60% of her body. She died on the evening of July 30 from septic shock caused by septicemia, complicated by pulmonary edema.
In total, 24 people were injured in what Dominican Republic authorities have described as a tragic accident. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, though the tour operator, Go Paradise DR, stated it was declared an accident resulting from mechanical failure. Passengers reported that the boat had smelled of gasoline before the blast.
Abbie's two siblings were among those injured in the incident, though no updates on their conditions have been provided. Tributes have been paid to the teenager, who was remembered as a popular cheerleader and dancer. A GoFundMe campaign established to support her family has raised a significant portion of its $40,000 target.
Go Paradise DR has removed the boat, identified as the Costa Romantica, from booking platforms following the incident. The boat was reportedly "overpacked," according to some passengers. Witnesses described hearing a "pop noise" before the front of the boat exploded and fire spread rapidly.