Sailor injured in sailboat explosion on Banks Channel

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Crews responded to propane explosion in Wrightsville Beach’s Banks Channel Monday evening that sent one man to the hospital.

Wrightsville Beach Fire Chief Glen Rogers said others near the boat heard the explosion and used a rowboat to bring the man ashore. Fire crews arrived to the boat to check for fire. He says the explosion was likely caused for fuel vapors, creating a flash but no ensuing fire.

Rogers said the man on board, believed in his late 20s, did suffer serious burns but not life-threatening. He was treated on scene then transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Rogers said the boat did not sink, although it sustained significant interior damage.