ON JULY 23, 2023 AT APPROXIMATELY 1740, I, INDIANA CONSERVATION OFFICER 1, RECEIVED A CALL FROM DISPATCH REFERENCE A BOAT ON FIRE AT THE ALPHA BOAT RAMP AT HARDY LAKE. I RESPONDED AND ARRIVED AT APPROXIMATELY 1750. THE BOAT WAS STILL SMOKING BUT THE FLAMES HAD BEEN EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WHEN I ARRIVED. 
I SPOKE WITH THE OWNER/OPERATOR OF THE BOAT. HE STATED THAT HE STARTED HIS BOAT UP AND LET IT RUN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. HE STATED HIS MOTOR THEN EXPLODED AND HE JUMPED IN THE WATER. I ASKED HIM IF HE VENTED HIS MOTOR SINCE IT WAS AN INBOARD MOTOR, AND HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. I ASKED HIM IF HE HAS ANY INSURANCE ON THE BOAT AND HE STATED HE DID NOT. HE HAD JUST PURCHASED THE BOAT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND PROVIDED PAPERWORK ON THAT. 
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MANAGED TO PUT THE FIRE COMPLETELY OUT AND I ASSESSED THE BOAT BEFORE IT WAS TOWED. THE BOAT WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED WITH ONLY THE MOTOR AND OUTER HULL INTACT. MIDNIGHT TOWING TOOK THE BOAT TO THEIR LOT.
Hardy Lake
Scottsburg                    