While on patrol, Officer received a report of smoke possibly coming from Boardwalk Marina.  Officers responded and saw Boardwalk Live Bait boat on fire.  Boat owner  stated he started engine on vessel and was letting it run for a while when it blew up and he jumped overboard.  subject heard a pop and then it blew up.  Harbor employee stated operator had just fueled vessel and it had been running about 15 minutes before it blew up.  Vessel burned to water line and then sank.  No injuries reported. 
Owner stated vessel was equipped with new engine and fuel lines. Only possibility was a plate on top of fuel tank could have leaked when weight of vessel shifted when filling the live bait tanks with water. Owner did not start blowers but had engine cover open with motor running. Could not smell any gas fumes before starting or before explosion. 

Other than statements above,  Cause of explosion has not been determined.
Biloxi                        