Vessel 1 was in operation for several hours prior to the incident and, after pulling away from the dock after changing passengers, Vessel 1 stalled and would not restart.  The current and wind allowed Vessel 1 to drift back toward the dock and attempts were made to restart Vessel 1.  As the Operator of Vessel 1 pulled the choke and pushed the start button on Vessel 1, Vessel 1 exploded causing severe damage to the vessel and throwing the Operator into the air.  As the Operator came back down she landed partially on Vessel 1 and was then pulled to safety by the Owner of Vessel 1.  The Operator suffered several injuries in the explosion/fall including broken bones in both feet and a head injury.  

Investigation of the incident revealed that one of the spark plugs was completely out of the head of the engine and laying on the top of the engine, still connected to the plug wire.  The other spark plug was loose and able to be turned with very little effort.  There was no evidence of fuel leaking from any of the fittings, lines, or the tank.  A follow-up inspection of the vessel by a dealer found all of the lines, fittings, and the tank in good condition as well with no apparent leaks.  The dealer also reported a prior service recall on the vessel in question for the fuel tank, but his records also indicated that Vessel 1's tank had been replaced in 2003.
Marblehead                    