Statements from occupants advised they were about 4 miles off the mainland near Ingalls ship building when they hit a wave, heard a noise and the boat caught fire and split in half.  Subject advised he was near the bow of vessel.  Victim advised he was on the side of the console and was thrown out of the vessel.  Both passengers advised Operator was the captain of the vessel and fire came out of the center console and hit Operator in the face.  They stated there was PFD's on board, but they were not wearing them.  They also stated it happened around 1320 and they were back at mainland around 1345,  Subject and victim also advised they filled the boat with fuel before they headed out.  Victim was treated for minor injuries at Singing River Hospital and released.  Subject had no injuries.  Operator was airlifted to University of South Alabama Medical center in Mobile.
Both passengers stated Operators mother was owner of the vessel.  Several attempts were made to get information on vessel was unsuccessful.

After contacting Operator.  He advised 51 % of his body was burned.  He was in ICU for a couple of weeks.   Have no GPS location of incident.  Vessel was total lost.
Operator advised that the vessel was not equipped with a blower but did have air vent ducts in the back of the vessel. Exact cause unknown.  They had been running the boat for 10-15 mintues before the explosion.
Pascagoula                    