RedactedNarrative: Vessel – 1997, 9’ ARJ PWC w/1 Inboard Water Jet Engine – 120 HP
  Owner – Owner
  Operator/Injured – Operator
  
  On 08/01/2021, at about 03:30 p.m., this vessel was cruising on the Stillaguamish River, near the 23400 block of 6th Avenue NE, located near Arlington, WA in Snohomish county. 
  
  According to Law Enforcement, this vessel, operated by Operator, was cruising at the above location.  Operator told Officers that he had just completed work on the vessel and was out on the river doing some test runs.  Operator reported that he was traveling northbound going upriver in water that was about 2-3 feet deep and described it as being choppy. 
  
  Operator reported that he heard and felt a loud explosion from the PWC that launched him into the air.  He said that when he looked down, he saw that he was still seated on the PWC and saw the hull of the PWC in the water.  Essentially the PWC had split in half.  
  
  When the PWC came back down, Operator hit hard on his left foot on the bottom of the PWC footing well.  He said there was no fire and that he had to swim across the river.  Once out of the river, he used a stick as a walking stick to get back to the roadway where he called his father to come pick him up.  
  
  Officers asked why he did not call 9-1-1 and Operator explained that he was on probation and did not want to get into trouble as he was not supposed to be in the area, but that he would be telling his probation officer.  When asked it there were any witnesses to the incident, he replied, no.  Operator did not know what caused the explosion.
  
  1 Injury / 0 Fatalities
  No Apparent Alcohol Involvement 
  Vessel Reported as a Total Loss – Estimated Value Pending
  Operator Was Wearing a PFD 
  Operator Has a Mandatory Boater Education Card