OPERATOR OF VESSEL # 1 (GLASTRON) STATED THAT THIS WAS HIS FIRST TIME OUT ON WATER THIS YEAR.  HE LAUNCHED FROM PUBLIC RAMP AND TRAVELED UPSTREAM.  THE GLASTRON HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 2.25 MILES FROM THE RAMP WHEN IT BEGAN EXPERIENCING ENGINE TROUBLES.  THE ENGINE STARTED MISSING AND THEN THE ENGINE COVER BLEW OFF.  ALL PASSENGERS GOT OUT OF VESSEL AND ENTERED THE WATER.  THEY WERE ALL WEARING PFD'S.  THE VESSEL BECAME FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DRIFTED NEAR A BOAT HOUSE AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THAT STRUCTURE.  THE GLASTRON CONTINUED TO DRIFT UPSTREAM DUE TO WIND DIRECTION.  NEIGHBORS KEPT THE VESSEL FROM NEARING OTHER DOCKS.  THE KILLEN FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES .  THE VESSEL BURNT TO THE WATERLINE AND WAS TOTALED.
KILLEN                        