operator was fueling his port side fuel tank, when an explosion occurred on the port side.  Operator sustained severe burns to the lower part of his body and was air lifted to jackson memorial hospital with non life threatening injuries.  His son was aboard at the helm when the explosion occurred and sustained a minor burn to his leg.  The vessel, which was a complete loss, was removed from the water with no environmental hazards.
Operator advised that he drove his vessel from the lift dock to the fuel dock to fuel the vessel.  He completed filling the starboard tank and tranferred to the port when the explosion happened.  The son was at the helm watching the fuel gauge as the father fueled.  He stated there was some mechanical work done to the port outdrive a few weeks ago.  Fire marshalls instigation concluded that a static charge ignited the fuel vapors.;operatorreceived burns to both hands and legs, also lower back; son had burns to left leg
DANIA BEACH