RedactedNarrative: Based on statements made from the operator and occupants of vessel 1, I have reason to believe that the following occurred: 
  
  Vessel 1 was fueled on or about 8-7-15 and traveled to Perry Lake on 8-8-15 with a full tank, holding approximately 30 gallons of fuel. 
  
  At approximately 1900 HRS, an odor of fuel was detected on vessel 1; the operator and three occupants were on board at said time. The operator stated that they decided to leave after smelling the fumes. He said that the blower was running for five to ten minutes, while the engine was running at idle speed. 
  
  One occupant stated that the operator was running the pump because vessel 1 was taking on water. 
  
  Another occupant stated that after they smelled the fumes, the operator turned on the bilge to drain it. Then, as vessel 1 was navigating away from the cove, other vessels were in front of vessel 1 and the operator "hopped back on it" and added that vessel 1 wasn’t moving very fast when he "hopped back on it". 
  
  An explosion occurred thereafter, in or near the engine compartment. Victim 1 was seated on the cushion located behind the operator, near the starboard quarter; she sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns. Victim 2 was seated on the cushion, near the port quarter; she sustained 1st degree burns.
  
  A loud blast was heard during the explosion and black smoke was observed immediately thereafter, coming from the engine compartment. Flames were observed seconds later and all four persons exited the boat and were subsequently transported by KDWPT officers to the nearest boat ramp. Once there, they were bandaged and evaluated by an EMT.
  
  The cause of the fuel vapor build up in the bilge of vessel 1 is unknown. A cracked or loose hose or fuel line, an unsealed fuel pump or filter, flooding of the carburetor, a cracked or overfilled fuel tank are a few possible origins. 
  
  It is unknown where the spark or flame originated that ignited the fuel vapors, however, it appears that vessel 1 did have one or more electrical devices that did not appear to be "ignition protected", i.e., the distributor.
   