RedactedNarrative: Prelude:   
  
  On 6/28/20 a pontoon with 3 passengers was idling near the narrows of sylvan lake.   After the engine bogged, it was shut off and upon re-start, exploded the cowling and started to burn.   Passengers and operator jumped to safety and were picked up by other boaters.   The fire was also extinguished by other boaters.  
  
  Details of investigation/incident:  
  
  On 6/28/20 i was on duty and was contacted by ico dispatch and advised of a boat fire on sylvan lake.   Upon arrival at 935 lions drive in rome city i found the boat already tied to the dock and all 3 passengers present on the deck near the water.  
  
  
  Operator stated she was the operator of the boat and told me she had been idling near the narrows (see attached location) when the outboard engine began to "run rough" like it had weeds on it.   She described the motor to be struggling or bogging down and she shut the engine off.  After waiting a short period of time she attempted to re-start the engine and told me the engine "blew up" and told me the cover (cowling) was shattered and the outboard engine caught fire.  
  
  Her description of the events were that passers-by (unknown) were able to use fire extinguishers, water, and wet towels to extinguish/smother the fire burning in the engine.  
  
  During this time passer-by also threw life jackets for the three boat occupants and they jumped from the boat and were picked up by nearby boaters.  They jumped from the boat in fear the fire may spread or cause an explosion.   
  
  After the occupants were removed from the water, the boat was returned to its dock at 935 lions driver where i found it.     I photographed the boat interior, outboard motor, registration, gauges, nearby fire extinguisher, and the pfd on the seat.  Dispatch information stated there was an oil spill however i saw no evidence of such.  I saw no leaking oil upon my examination and found no sheen on the water. 
  
  Operator stated she only had a small cut (scratch) on her right leg.  I saw a scratch on the outside of her right calf that was already scabbed over.  Operator told me she thought the cut occurred not from the crash itself but was from either jumping into the water or climbing out. 
  
  She stated the only life jackets used were the jackets thrown to them by the passers-by.  She stated she had taken boater education in school at approximately 13 years old.  The fire extinguisher was found on board but was not used.   
  
  
  