SEE ATTACHED GENERAL REPORT
ALL INFORMATION OBTAINED BY INVESTIGATIVE INTERVIEWS AND AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS.  THE VESSEL SUN IN APPROX 320 FT OF WATER. THERE ARE NO CURRENT PLANTS TO RETRIEVE THE VESSEL.

On August 5, 2023 at approximately 20:15 hours Lake Mead Interagenc Communication Center LMICC) received a report of a vessel fire in Boulder on Lake Mead.  Officer 2, Sgt 3, and I responded to the scene of NPS Fireboat.

At 20:59 hours, we arrived on scene in Boulder Basin off Burro Point, GPS Coordinates: 36.087181, -114.742043.  Upon arrival the vessel fire was fully involved with active flames.  We conducted fire suppression efforts utilizing Fireboat's onboard water cannon.

At 21:10 hours the vessel capsized and sank in an approximate water depth of 320 feet.

INVESTIGATION:

At 21:32 hours I arrived at Hoemenway Harbor and contacted the vessel operator, idenified as Operator.  Operator stated that he is an experienced boater with over 100 hours of operating time, he has no formal boating certifications.  Operator was storing and caring for the vessel on behalf of Owner (the registered vessel owner) who gave Operator full access to the vessel with permission to use at any time.  Operator is listed as an insured party on a vessel registration.  The vessel is a 1994 29' Wellcraft Scarab with single 415 hp sterndrive engine.

Operator stated that he had been recreating on the water since Friday monring (the day prior to incident)  Approximately 30 minutes prior to the incident he had purchased a full tank of gasoline at Las Vegas Boat Harboar fuel docks.  He left the fuel dock in route to Callville Bay to meet with friends.  He was operating the vessel at on-plane speeds (approx 30-40 mph)  when he observed smoke coming from the engine compartment.  He stopped the vessel, opened the hatch and observed active flames in the engine compartment.  Operator attempted to extinguish the fire with an onboard fire extinguisher, however the fire grew beyong his control.  At that time Operator grabbed a lifejacket for himself and his dog and jumped into the water abandoning the vessel.

A Good Samaritan identified as Witness was boating in the area when he saw the vessel fire.  He came to assist and witnessed Operator and his dog in the water.  Witness pulled Operator and his dog from the water.  Witness called 911.   They remained in the area for a short time to warn nearby boaters of the fuel in the vessel.  They departed to Hemenway Harbor to meet with law enforcement.

On August 9, 2023 I contacted the vessel owner, identified as Owner.  Owner stated that he inherited the vessel from his father.  Owner had left the vessel in the under the care of Operator.  Operator is included as an insured party on the vessel''s insurance policy.  According to Owner the vessel received regular maintenance and ran well.  He was unaware of any issues with the electrical or fuel systems.

DISPOSITION:

Due to the depth of water where the vessel sank (320ft) the National Park Service has waived vessel recovery obligations.  The recovry of the vessel is deemed to be impractical and/or impossible at this time.  Therefore, investigators are unable to inspect the vessel for potential cause of ignition.  The estimated damage to the vessel is approximately $10,000 or its retail value.  The vessel is a total loss.  No injuries ocurred during the incident.  Operator showed no inidcations of impairment.
Due
LAKE MEAD
Meadview, AZ                  