RedactedNarrative: On August 8, 2021 at approximately 1130 hours five passengers boarded V1 and went on a cruise from their home and headed to Hula Bay just past Gandy Bridge.  The vessel stopped running 50 yards from Pier 32 Marina/Gas Docks.  OWNER was able to get a good Samaritan to tow them to Pier 32 gas docks.  OWNER called Boat US and he arrived at Pier 32 gas docks.  OWNER put 22 gallons of gas in the vessel and was able to get the vessel started. OWNER stated he tended to the dock lines and OP1 turned on the air blowers and they left the dock. OWNER stated he asked Boat US towing if he could follow them back to their home in case they broke down again.  
  At approximately 1345 hours OP1 was operating the vessel and left the gas docks heading West out of the channel.  OP1 was past the day marker towards the center span of the Gandy Bridge when he started to accelerate the vessel. The vessel was sluggish so OP1 gave it more gas and that is when they heard a loud pop. Fire and heavy smoke started coming out of the engine compartment. VICTIM 2 was sitting on the starboard rear seat, and VICTIM 1 was sitting on the port seat carrying her son when the engine caught fire.  OWNER used the vessels fire extinguisher and put the fire out and everyone jumped into the water.  A good Samaritan picked up everyone from the water and transported them all to Pier 32 where they were met by EMS.  
  VICTIMS were transported by EMS to Tampa General Hospital where they were treated for 2nd degree burns.  VICTIM 1 had burns on 12 percent of her body with burns on her legs, front and back.  VICTIM 2 had burns on 10 percent of her body with burns on her right arm and right leg.  They were both treated and released within a few hours from Tampa General Hospital. 
  OWNER's vessel was towed by Boat US.  This officer met OWNER at his residence and took numerous photographs of the vessel.  I also had OWNER fill out a boating accident witness statement. VICTIM 1:2nd degree burns on 12 percent of her body, both legs front and back. ; VICTIM 2:2nd Degree burns on 10 percent of her body on her right arm and right leg.
  