MIAMI – Burt Korplen’s boat caught on fire and burst into flames on Thursday near Dinner Key Marina in Biscayne Bay. His son Hans Korplen was nearby in a separate boat and rushed to his father’s rescue.

Both Korplen men survived. Fire Rescue personnel took Burt Korplen to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was quickly treated and released.

“All I heard was an explosion. I immediately jumped in,” Hans Korplen said. “If I didn’t do that he would be dead.”

Miami-Dade firefighters used white foam to extinguish the flames. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel, the captain’s 34-foot cruiser broke down. Burt Korplen was in the process of restarting it when it exploded and sent him flying into the water.

Hans Korplen helped his father into a skiff and they were both able to make it back to shore. Witnesses called 911. The U.S. Coast Guard tended to the boat before it was towed.