Costa Mesa boaters in hospital after explosion

A pair of Costa Mesa residents battle injuries in a Long Beach hospital after their boat exploded on the way to get repair work done, authorities said.

The two victims, a 52-year-old man and a 67-year-old man, have remained in St. Mary’s Hospital since the accident Monday.

The 52-year-old is listed in serious condition, suffering second-degree burns on his head, buttocks, back and left arm and a fracture to his right ankle, said Will Nash, spokesman for the Long Beach Fire Department.

The other victim suffered minor injuries.

The boat, a 39-foot recreation craft built in the 1940s, was on its way to Pier C through the channel to the Cabrillo shipyard when it exploded, authorities said.

— Kelly Strodl