RedactedNarrative: On December 14, 2020 I responded to a single vessel boating accident that occurred in the South Fork of the St. Lucie River / Palm City Bridge, Martin County. Vessel 1 had an explosion on board causing the vessel to catch fire. No occupants were injured. The vessel was removed from the water by SeaTow. 
  
  Operator stated that he fueled the vessel at Riverwatch at approximately 1500 hours with 20 gallons of gasoline and utilized the blower during the refuel. Operator stated that while underway and passing underneath the Palm City bridge, heading north, his vessel motor stalled with the blower still on from when he previously refueled. 
  
  When Operator tried to restart his vessel motor, he heard a pop noise, described louder than a balloon pop. With the explosion and fire started, Operator stated that he dropped the anchor to minimize any damages to other property due to his vessel becoming on fire. Operator then abandoned his vessel to board a Good Samaritan rescue vessel nearby before transferring to the Martin County vessel and then our FWC patrol vessel without injury. 
   
  All photographs and statements have been attached to this report. FWC body camera footage was obtained during this encounter. Operator was picked up from the boat ramp by his significant other while Officer and I waited and observed Kauffs towing company perform the removal of the vessel from the boat ramp.
  