According to statements given by Operator and witnesses, Operator was operating V1 idling away from a dock at The Ridge Marina when an explosion occurred in the engine compartment.  Operator had stopped at the marina to purchase some screws for a flag mounted on the front of the boat.  He stated that he was away from the boat just long enough to go inside and purchase the screws.  He returned to the boat, mounted the screws to the flagpole, then started the boat and began idling away from the dock.  After several seconds, long enough to clear the dock and begin maneuvering away from the marina, there was an explosion in the engine compartment.  The explosion blew the hatch covering the engine open; also fire came under the back seat and surrounded Operator.  He jumped into the water to extinguish the fire on his body and clothing, and then swam back to the pier.  Once ashore he was assisted by marina personnel and bystanders until EMS arrived.  He was transported by ambulance to Russell Medical Center then airlifted to the UAB Burn Center.

Operator stated that he had some problems back in April related to the fuel system of the boat.  He had replaced the fuel tank with an 18 gal. plastic tank while a permanent replacement tank was being built.
Eclectic