The Owner (Victim) of Vessel 2 was on board Vessel 1 replacing a fuel filter on Vessel 1.  The Victim was standing on the battery tank of Vessel 1.  Tools were observed lying on the battery of Vessel 1 with the battery terminals uncovered.  The Victim on Vessel 1 had excess fuel in a plastic container and investigation revealed that the Victim may have manipulated one of the tools in such a manner as to cause a short in the battery terminal and generate a spark that ignited the fuel vapors/excess fuel in the plastic container.  After the plasic container caught fire, the Victim tossed the burning container over the transom onto Vessel 2 which was tied to the port side aft of Vessel 1.  The Victim then secured a water hose and attempted to put out the flames.  The Victim was burned severely over 40% of his body and was later flown to the hospital via life flight.  Vessel 1 suffered fire damage to the engines, electrical system and motor acessories; Vessel 2 was damaged beyond repair from fire/gasoline damage.
Marblehead                    