OPERATOR WAS FILLING GAS TANK, WHEN BILGE PUMP STARTED RUNNING.  REALIZING THAT GAS WAS BEING PUMPED OVERBOARD, THE OPERATOR STOPPED PUMPING.  HE ATTEMPTED TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY, AND IN DOING SO CREATED SPARK, IGNITING THE SPILLED GAS.  HE WAS, REMARKABLY, UNHURT, AND ABLE TO PUSH THE BOAT AWAY FROM THE DOCK AS IT BURNED TO THE WATERLINE AND SANK IN 80' OF WATER, UNRECOVERED.
SANTA CLARA                   