RedactedNarrative: On Saturday June 25, 2016 at approximately 1140hrs, while on water patrol, FWC Lieutenant and I spotted a plume of black smoke offshore from Key Biscayne. Dispatch was alerted, and we headed in the direction of the smoke in emergency mode. The color, location and density of the smoke was conducive with a possible boat fire. We arrived on scene at approximately 1154hrs to find the subject boat (later to be identified by registration number FL4083DE) engulfed in flames, and emitting thick black smoke.
  
   We approached a vessel in the vicinity. Subject advised that he had recovered the 2 occupants  of the burning vessel, which were then transported by Miami Beach Police Marine Unit (case number:16-56149) to No Name Harbor, Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida for EMS (Rescue 15) medical treatment and transport to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Subject provided his name and contact information for further interview at a later time.
  
   Subject stated he heard an explosion and saw thick smoke coming from the subject vessel. As he approached to render aid, he saw the two victims in the water, swimming away from the burning vessel. The two victims were not wearing PFD's at the time. The two victims told Subject that their boat had exploded beneath them, that they had been burned badly, and they jumped into the water. Once the victims were recovered from the water, Subject called 911, and provided fresh water for the victims to drink while the first responding unit (Miami Beach Police Department) made arrival.
  
  FWC Officer responded to Ryder Trauma Center to make contact with the victims. Ofc. reported the extent of the injuries to be non-life threatening 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to the lower extremities of both victims. Ofc. photographed both victim's injuries and interviewed the owner/operator. Operator stated that he and Occupant had been fishing at anchor. As they were preparing to leave, Occupant was recovering the anchor and as Operator was starting the boat's motor, an explosion occurred. Operator stated that the vessel was powered by an inboard gasoline engine. Occupant was not able to give a statement at the time.
  
  Once the vessel fire was out, the vessel was photographed, marked with an orange PFD at the bow and the stern of the vessel, and USCG Sector Miami was notified of the condition and position of the vessel before I cleared the scene.
  
  On 06/27/16, Operator provided a statement in which he described that he used the ventilation system and started the motor like normal. He let the boat motor idle in neutral for a moment, and when he shifted into forward gear, the explosion occurred beneath him, and the boat caught fire. He and Occupant both jumped into the ocean to escape the fire. A short time after, Subject's vessel approached them for rescue.
  
  On 06/27/16, Occupant gave a statement in which he recalled the motor being on a short time before the explosion. Occupant also recalled climbing back onto the burning boat to recover his shorts and cell phone, at which time he attempted to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher. Occupant then jumped back into the water and swam to Subject's vessel.
  
  Based on the evidence and information provided, I believe the explosion and resulting fire was caused by failure to sufficiently ventilate gasoline vapors from the machinery compartment prior to charging the ignition/starting system of the engine.
  
  This concludes Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission boating accident report. ; Occupant:1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to lower extremities. Received artificial skin grafts.; OPERATOR:Victim suffered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to lower extremities. Received artificial skin grafts.
  