RedactedNarrative: On Saturday September 19, 2015 I (Cpl of the Natural Resources Police) was on routine patrol.  At approximately 11:39 a.m., DNR dispatched a complaint for a boat explosion that occurred on Mill Creek, Calvert County near the Lusby area.  I responded.  At this address I was met by Trooper of the Maryland State Police.  Trooper advised me that a boat with 5 persons (2 adults, 3 children) on board had exploded and caught fire. The passengers abandoned the vessel and swam to shore.  Upon reaching the shore they were assisted by individuals who were working at a nearby residence.  The children and the mother were transported to Children's Hospital and the father left to go to the hospital to be with his family.  
  
  Each Witness gave a written statement.  All 3 Witnesses were working on the residence at the time of the accident.  All the Witnesses advised they were working when they heard a loud boom.  When sought out the source of the noise they observed a boat on the water on fire.  Witnesses #1&2 observed the Father throwing the children into the water.  Witness #3 observed the father attempting to extinguish the fire.  All the Witnesses advised that they called to the passengers to swim to their direction where they helped them out of the water and up to the house where 911 was contacted.  An EMT showed up in a jeep and began lending assistance.  An additional Witness statement was received. The Witness was not on scene at this time. See the attached Witness statements.
  
  At this time I observed the vessel in question.  It was located on the far shore.  The only thing that appeared to be left was the lower portion of the hull and it was covered in a foam chemical used by the fire department to suppress the fire.  
   
  In an attempt to locate the trailer for the vessel in question I met and interviewed the following individual:
  
  I interviewed Witness # 4 who advised that the Father has launched the vessel at the marina several times in the past.  He was in the shop when he heard a loud pop.  He ran out of the shop and smoke was coming from the engine compartment of the boat that had just launched and people jumping overboard.  He attempted to assist them with his vessel but the passengers were already on shore.  He advised that when he saw the vessel it was approximately 15 yards past the end of the pier.  He attempted to keep the vessel from drifting back into the pier and vessels tied to it.  He also advised that his marina does not sell fuel.  See the attached Written statement.  
  
  The vessel displayed Maryland registration 9216-E. The Hull Identification Number is WELJ0240M04F-210. A computer check of the vessels registration revealed the following.  The vessel is a 1984 Wellcraft, 20 feet in length, inboard/ outboard propulsion, fiberglass in construction and Blue and White in color.  The registered Owner is:
  
  From this point forward I was requested to keep the vessel secure until a decision was made about its disposition.  At approximately 5:25 p.m., I was advised to secure from the scene.
   
  Witnesses #5 and 6 were interviewed over the phone.  Witness #5 added the following to her written statement.  When she first saw the vessel in question it was approximately 15 feet past the end of the pier and close to the shoreline.  She responded to the address to assist with her husband (Witness #6).  While attempting to comfort the oldest Daughter she could smell the odor of gasoline in subject’s hair. See the attached Written Statement.
  
  I next interviewed Witness #6 over the phone.  He advised that he was in the house when his wife (Witness #5) began yelling for him.  He saw the vessel on fire and people being pulled out of the water.  He returned to the house and grabbed a bag and drove to the address.  Upon his arrival he began assessing the condition of the victims and forwarding the information to 911.  He was the first on the scene and rendered basic first aid.  He also advised that he did not see any PFD's.
  
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