Charter boat skipper in Bronx fire had no license, prosecutors say

Prosecutors say Joshua Brito, the skipper of a 36-foot charter boat that burst into flames off the Bronx shoreline, did not hold a captain’s license and had been drinking while operating the vessel, according to a Bronx District Attorney's Office indictment issued Thursday. The boat was carrying 22 passengers celebrating a family birthday when it erupted near Hart Island on June 7, forcing everyone aboard to jump into the water.

Brito was arraigned in Bronx Supreme Court on charges that include first-degree vehicular assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, and multiple counts of boating while intoxicated. He pleaded not guilty and was released without bail, court records show. Prosecutors said Brito did not possess a captain’s license and allegedly profited more than $3,000 from the illegal charter.

The case follows an initial arrest in which officers found him at the scene and said he had told them he had a single beer. Investigators described him as having watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol, and he faced three counts of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to his criminal complaint. He was released after those charges.

Authorities said a man aboard sustained second- and third-degree burns across his body and required skin grafts, while a woman nearly drowned as passengers scrambled to safety. Rescue crews were nearby and acted quickly to pull people from the water, but the incident left at least one passenger with serious injuries.

Brito reportedly told investigators he had a previous issue with the Carver 35 boat, saying that he picked up the group at World Fair, had an issue with the boat two days ago, and disconnected the generator. He remains under indictment as the case continues and is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 29.