On august 7, 2013, operator and four other passengers were attempting to launch their vessel into the new river in jacksonville nc on the new river air base marina.  After getting the vessel into the water, operator attempted to start the outboard engine.  When operator turned the ignition to start the engine, the vessel suddenly exploded.
 
After inspecting the vessel, i feel that the explosion come from a buildup of fuel vapor and a spark from somewhere in the wiring when operator attempted to start the vessel.  There was a pooling of fuel in the bottom of the vessel's hull, but i was unable to determine whether the fuel build up was a result of the explosion or if the fuel had been leaking from somewhere for some time.  There is the possibility that the fuel had been spilled or overflowed while fueling the vessel and had pooled in the bottom of the vessel.
JACKSONVILLE