RedactedNarrative: On 07/03/2021 at approximately 5:00 PM, we were on water patrol on the Suwannee River near Fowler’s Bluff in Levy County.  We observed what appeared to be white smoke coming from the bank of the river near the Fowler’s Bluff boat ramp.  The white smoke was near a personal watercraft that was in the river near the bank.  I observed several people near the personal watercraft.  I also observed someone trying to get my attention.  
  We drove our vessel over to the shore and spoke to someone who stated that the personal watercraft had exploded and injured someone.  I observed a white male later identified as OP1 laying on the ground with people near him.  I asked what happened and was told when he started the engine, a huge explosion occurred ejecting him into the air.  I was also told that he had hit some tree limbs as he was ejected.  I observed OP1 had a swollen left ankle and what appeared to be burn marks on his leg.  I asked OP1 if he needed EMS to be called and he stated “no”.  I asked OP1 what happened, and he stated that he had been riding the jet ski approximately one hour prior to the explosion.  He stated that he had gotten off the jet ski for a while and then decided to ride again.  He stated that as soon as he hit the start button it exploded, ejecting him into the air.  OP1 also stated that he had some work done to the carburetor prior to taking the jet ski out. 
  I interviewed WITNESS 1, who stated that he had witnessed the incident.  WITNESS 1 stated that OP1 had been riding the jet ski on the river and had parked it by his (WITNESS 1’s) dock for a couple of hours.  WITNESS 1 stated that he saw OP1 preparing to leave at approximately 5:00 pm.  WITNESS 1 stated that when OP1 started the jet ski it blew up, sending OP1 and parts of the jet ski up into the air.  He stated that he saw OP1 hit some tree limbs that were above where the jet ski was located.  WITNESS 1 stated that when he got to OP1, he appeared to be ok.  
  I asked OP1 if he wanted medical attention and he once again refused.  I spoke with WITNESS 2 who was on scene.  WITNESS 2 stated that OP1 was his son-in-law and asked if he could take the jet ski out of the water.  He stated it would be at his residence, which was just down the road from Fowler’s Bluff.  I advised him that photos were needed, and it would probably be best if it was out of the water.  
  When we arrived at the WITNESS 2 residence we were advised that OP1’s ankle had swollen more, and he decided to seek medical attention after all.  I photographed the jet ski after speaking with WITNESS 2.
  There was excessive damage to the jet ski including: 
  •	damage to the front compartment with lid missing 
  •	broken right mirror  
  •	damage to the exterior rub rail of the jet ski  
  •	damage to the engine compartment
  •	damage to hoses 
  •	damage to the seat that was blown off, it also appeared that 
  •	the top and bottom of the hull separated due to the explosion  
  
  There was also the smell of gasoline coming from the engine compartment as well.
  
  The jet ski is owned by OP1 and has a Florida registration of FL 7482 LN (2001 9’ Polaris). 
  On 07/07/2021, I made contact with OP1 at his residence to obtain a written statement and to take photos of his injuries.  OP1 stated that he had a broken, bruised, and swollen ankle.  He also stated that he had received minor burns from the explosion.  I asked if the thought the jet ski was totaled and he stated yes.  He estimated the damage to be approximately $2500.00.  OP1 stated that he thinks something went wrong with the fuel system after he had it worked on. 
  Evidence from the investigation indicates that a mechanical failure was the cause of the accident therefore no charges will be filed.
  