A British teenager who suffered devastating burns when a tourist boat exploded during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic has died after a desperate fight for her life.
Abigail “Abbie” Lainton, 16, from Swindon, Wiltshire, was on a family trip when the vessel carrying around 35 people suddenly caught fire on July 27.
The force of the blast tore apart part of the boat’s deck and sent passengers into the sea as flames and debris spread across the vessel.
Abbie suffered first- and second-degree burns covering around 60 per cent of her body. She was taken to hospital along with other injured passengers, but her condition deteriorated.
She died at around 9pm on July 30, three days after the explosion.
Inquest hears cause of death
Abbie’s body has now been returned to the UK.
At an inquest in Salisbury, Wiltshire, the cause of death was given as septic shock caused by septicaemia as a result of pulmonary edema.
The full inquest has been adjourned to a date yet to be fixed.
The teenager had been travelling with her family after a trip to Saona Island, a popular tourist destination within the Cotubanamá National Park.
Authorities said 24 people were injured in the incident, with 11 requiring hospital treatment.
Abbie’s siblings, Carley and Bradley, were also injured. Their current conditions were not clear.
The family shared a picture from their holiday to the Dominican Republic Credit: Gofundme
‘She did not go out without a fight’
The tragedy has left Abbie’s family and friends devastated.
Family friend Becky Jamieson described the teenager as a “beautiful” young girl who was deeply loved by those around her.
“Abbie had her whole life ahead of her,” she said. “She should have been enjoying the summer with her friends and looking forward to receiving her GCSE results.”
She added: “She was so loved by her family, friends and everyone who knew her.
“For Abbie, forever 16, forever loved and never forgotten.”
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Abbie’s family has received more than £5,000 in donations.
Passengers recall terrifying moments
Gisell Segovia and her husband, Navin Torres, 35, were among those aboard the boat when the explosion happened.
The couple had travelled to the Dominican Republic to celebrate Navin’s birthday, but their holiday ended with both suffering burns and being left traumatised by what they had witnessed.
Navin later recalled seeing Abbie badly injured after the blast and described her as “a warrior,” saying she “did not go out without a fight.”
Gisell said the boat had smelled strongly of gasoline and appeared “over-packed” from the beginning. Despite this, she said the crew reassured passengers that the vessel was safe.
The couple then heard what Navin described as a frightening “pop” after the boat suddenly accelerated to “keep up with the other boats.”
Moments later, the front of the vessel exploded.
“The front of the boat exploded,” Navin said. “It took me a couple of seconds to analyse what was going on the fire started spreading towards me and my wife.”
He said he was particularly frightened for Gisell because she could not swim.
Gisell recalled hearing the sudden noise before passengers on the left side of the boat were thrown from their seats.
“Everything started flying and boat pieces that were on fire started flying everywhere,” she said.
One piece of debris cut and burned Navin near his forehead.
Passengers jumped into the sea
As the fire spread, passengers were left screaming and crying while strong winds appeared to push the flames across the boat.
Navin threw Gisell from the vessel in an effort to get her away from the fire, while passengers jumped into the ocean to escape.
Other boats eventually came to their aid.
Both Navin and Gisell suffered first-degree burns, while Navin required stitches after being struck by debris.
Gisell said she remembered Abbie after the explosion, particularly her eyes, which she described as “beautiful.”
She later lost consciousness in the water before Navin pulled her to safety.
Family supported after devastating loss
An official in the Dominican Republic described the incident as a tragic accident at sea and said Abbie and her injured siblings had been taken immediately to a hospital in La Romana.
“The young lady and her injured siblings were moved immediately to the hospital in the city of La Romana but sadly she did not survive,” the official said.
“Despite the best efforts of medical staff she did not make it. Her injured siblings are continuing to be looked after in the hospital.”
The official said people on the island were rallying around the family and offering whatever assistance they could.
“A tragedy like this touches everyone on our island,” they said.
“We will offer every assistance that we can during this sorrowful time. Our prayers are with the family.”
