OPERATOR 1 STATED IT WAS THE FIRST TIME HE HAD TAKEN THE BOAT OUT ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER. HE FILLED UP WITH GAS RIGHT BEFORE PUTTING VESSEL ON THE WATER. WHEN HE TRIED TO START VESSEL ONE HE FOLLOWED SOUND BOATING PRINCIPLES BY USING THE BLOWER PRIOR TO STARTING THE ENGINE. WHEN HE STARTED THE ENGINE, HE HEARD A MUFFLED EXPLOSION, SAW THE ENGINE COVER FLY OFF AND A SMALL FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT CAUSED THE VESSEL TO BURN.
KIMBERLING CITY