Concurring statements from Operator, and three others stated that V1 was launched at Davis Camp Launch Ramp. Operator was the only person on board V1. Operator operated V1 around the Davis Camp area, back and forth across the river for a short period of time. At this point Operator reports he was going to pick up family on the beach. Operator stopped V1 in the middle of the river and attempted to turn it off and start it multiple times. On the second or third time Operator noticed flames coming out both sides of the engine cover.

     At this point Operator attempted to extinguish the flames by hitting them with a towel. This was unsuccessful so Operator emptied a fire extinguisher onto the engine cover. Operator then disposed of this fire extinguisher and emptied a second fire extinguisher, attempting to put out the fire. Two arrived on scene via PWC and attempted to extinguish the flames from the stern of V1, using the fire extinguishers from their respective PWCs.

     The flames could not be controlled and Operator jumped free from V1. Operator reported that he swam into shore where his family was waiting. The two soon joined him. Subject reported that she watched Operator stop, the fire ensue, and Operator swim to shore. Operator reported that immediately when the flames began she yelled and a cousin along the shoreline called 911 for emergency aid.

     V1 continued downstream with the river current, burning to the water line. Operator was uninjured throughout the incident.
Laughlin