RedactedNarrative: Vessel - 1992, 20' Reinell 2000 RXL Open Motorboat w/240 hp Mercury Sterndrive Engine
   
  On 04/07/2016, at about 2:45 p.m., this vessel, operated by Operator, was cruising on Lake Whatcom near Strawberrie Point located near Bellingham, WA in Whatcom county. 
   
  Law enforcement reported that while this vessel was cruising on the lake, a fire broke out on the vessel forcing the Operator and his 5 passengers into the water.  According to the Operator, Operator, the blower was operational and he did have a fire extinguisher on board.  The fire developed so quickly that he did not have the opportunity to use it.  All of the occupants jumped from the vessel.  Shortly after, the vessel exploded and became fully engulfed.  
   
  A sea plane and a boater responded and removed the 6 subjects from the water and took them to shore.  South Lake Whatcom and Geneva Fire Department promptly responded and extinguished the fire.  The burned out hull was towed to the shore line of Lake Whatcom.  The hull was pulled from the water at the owner's expense.
   
  According to the vessel owner the exact cause of the fire is unclear.  The cause is assumed to be either an electrical/starter issue or a possible gas leak.
    
  0 Injuries / 0 Fatalities
  No apparent alcohol involved
  Vessel was a total loss with an estimated value of $7,500
  No one on board was wearing a PFD
  The Operator did have a mandatory Boater Education Card
  