On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 1930 hours, I was patrolling Lake Lanier and heading back to our boat slip at Habour Point Marina due to a pending thunderstorm.  I received a phone call from Ranger in reference to a possible boat fire at Sunrise Cove Marina.  Emergency personnel from Hall County were already on scene.  I called a witness who had reported the boat fire to Hall County 911 dispatch.  He said the boat was tied to the dock and had caught fire and he called 911 and that the fire was now out and they didn't think anyone had been injured. 

 Later that night I called Hall County 911 to get more information. I eventually talked to a Lt. with the Hall County Sheriff's Office. He stated subject had been doing some work in the engine compartment of the vessel and there was spilled gas and fumes in the engine compartment of the vessel. Subject tried to hook up the battery so he could turn on the blower to air out the compartment, when he did he created a spark which created a flash burn.  Subject suffered 2nd degree burns to his hands and legs. He was transported Grady Hospital.  I went to Sunrise Cove on Friday, August 10th to look at the vessel. While there, I talked to the marina manager and the boat owner.  Boat owner confirmed what had happened to her boat and Subject. She also stated that Subject was expected to make a full recovery.  She was planning on removing the boat from the water and having her insurance company inspect the vessel.  She stated the vessel was a total loss.

I talked with Subject on Wednesday, August 15 at 1000 hours. He stated he was cleaning the fuel system and when he finished he tried to start the engine and the fire occurred. He said he is not sure what caused the spark that ignited the fumes. He said he will be released from the hospital in a few days and he is expecting to a make a full recovery.



FLOWERY BRANCH                