RedactedNarrative: Operator of Watercraft #1 was cruising in the Gull Narrows. He had recently gassed up his watercraft and was traveling southbound in the channel area under the Co. 77 bridge when he heard an explosion. 
  
  The explosion caused the hatch to blow off the engine compartment, the boat then started on fire. The operator called 911 and then jumped into the water where he was picked up by another watercraft and taken to shore. The operator was not injured in the incident. The fire department was called to the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. 
  
  Watercraft #1 was removed from the water and towed. Due to the extent of damage to the hull of the watercraft, it was unable to be loaded onto a trailer and had to be loaded onto a flatbed tow truck. A life jacket was not being worn, and alcohol was not a factor. The boat was a total loss.