RedactedNarrative: On 082317, I, Cpl. received a call from a Georgia State Patrol dispatcher in reference to a vessel fire on Lake Oconee.  The dispatcher said the vessel was in the water and was on fire but there was no one in the vessel.  The dispatcher stated the vessel was at Reynolds’ Landing near the marina.  I responded to the incident from the boat house and went to Reynolds’ Landing Marina.  
  
  	Upon arrival, I noted there were fire personnel on scene.  They had the fire contained and extinguished.  The vessel was pushed back to the boat ramp by the fire boat.  The Marina staff removed the vessel by fork lift and placed it on wooden blocks.  The fire was in the engine compartment.  I noted the motor was burned and covered in black soot.  The engine cowl was melted. The fire burned the bimini top as well as the back seating near the engine compartment.  The fire did not make it to the fuel tank.  The mechanic at the Marina stated the fire either started from a wiring issue or from the motor overheating and catching on fire.  I recorded the damage on the vessel with my Vie Vue recorder.
  
  	I spoke with the vessel owner/operator.  Operator stated he and his wife had just left the Marina and made it approximately 50 yards when he heard a loud popping sound.  Operator stated he looked back at the engine compartment and saw smoke coming from it.  Operator stated there were flames in the engine compartment and he immediately turned the vessel towards the nearby bank.  Operator stated they exited the vessel and the fire department vessel showed up and put the fire out.  I asked Operator if they were injured or burned and he stated “no.”  I advised Operator I would complete a boating incident report.  It should be noted alcohol was not involved in the incident.
  