RedactedNarrative: On Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at around 5:15 PM, a vessel being operated by OPERATOR 1 on Watauga Lake was coming out of the no wake zone outside of Fish Springs Marina in Carter County. OPERATOR 1 began to accelerate the vessel when he noticed an odor of gas. OPERATOR 1 let off the throttle and turned on the blower, when he heard a pop and felt heat from a fire. OPERATOR 1 and the three occupants jumped in the water and were picked up by a nearby vessel and taken to Fish Springs Marina. The vessel continued to burn to the water line before sinking. *** Officer''s Notes:
  Officer 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 via phone on Sunday, July 25th with no contact made. On Monday, July 26th, Officer 1 and Sgt. 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 at his residence, and also at the address he provided, with no contact made at either location or by phone. On Tuesday, July 27th, Officer 1 attempted to make contact with OPERATOR 1 at his residence. Officer 1 noted 3 vehicles in the driveway, side door open, and a dog barking inside, however, no contact was made at the residence or via phone. On Thursday, July 29th, Officer 1 was contacted by OPERATOR 1''s insurance company regarding the boat accident report. Officer 1 stated she was unable to make contact with OPERATOR 1. Shortly after the phone call with OPERATOR 1''s insurance company, OPERATOR 1 contacted Officer 1 via phone and agreed to meet for an interview on Friday, July 30th. 
  *** On Saturday, July 24th, 2021 at around 5:15 PM while patrolling Watauga Lake in Carter County, I observed a heavy cloud of smoke coming from a cove. Once arriving on scene, I observed a vessel fully engulfed in flames. I notified TWRA dispatch of a boat fire and advised dispatch to notify Carter County fire department. I was informed by a boat with two individuals that all occupants of the vessel had been pulled from the water and taken to Fish Springs Marina by a passing vessel. Officers arrived at Fish Springs Marina and spoke to the occupants and operator of the vessel. The operator, stated he was coming out of the no wake zone outside of Fish Springs Marina when he began to accelerate the vessel and noticed an odor of gas. He then let off the throttle and turned on the blower when he heard a pop and felt heat from a fire. OPERATOR 1 and the three occupants jumped in the water and were picked up by a nearby vessel and taken to Fish Springs Marina. Officers and members of the Butler Volunteer Fire Dept. arrived on scene by vessel and began trying to extinguish the flames. The vessel continued to burn to the waterline before sinking.
  