On 11-8-13 at approximately 1211 I Officer  with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to a vessel fire at Julington Creek Marina.  According to the Duty Officer the fire had already been extinguished and Jacksonville Fire Rescue and Jacksonville Sheriff Officers were already on scene.  When I arrived Duval Emergency Management, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Hazmat, and DEP Emergency Response Team were already there.  DEP Emergency Response Team and the US Coast Guard were beginning to contain all possible hazardous materials leaked into Julington Creek (SO #20137287).
I was able to locate the vessel owner.  he stated he was working on his vessel (FL 0803EX) a 30' 1979 Sea Ray locked at its dock slip (W-77).  Operator stated he had recently changed his fuel pump and had started his vessel to see if fuel was flowing.  Operator then stated while in the vessels cabin he noticed a strong odor of gasoline and when he turned back to the cockpit there was an explosion.  Operator stated he had to go through flames to get off his vessel to call for help.  I had Operator fill out a sworn written statement, he also stated he paid $3,000 for the vessel.
The vessel was completely destroyed by the fire, there was also significant damage to the dock the vessel was tied too.  The manager of Julington Creek Marina stated they were going to call their insurance company to come out and access th damage.  No citations or warnings were issued to operator and a boating safety inspection could not be performed due to the vessel being completely destroyed.
JACKSONVILLE