On 10/12/23, vessel travelled across lake decade.  Passenger was seated directly in front of the operator. (ves1) is a 15' mudboat (fiberglass - open) with remote steering. Ves was powered by a 65hp subaru in-board motor. The operator and passenger both wore type 3 pfd's. The engine cut-off lanyard was not used. 

          ves1 caught fire at 7:09pm while traveling across lake decade. According to statements gathered from the operator and the passenger, a 5 gallon plastic fuel can was strapped to the rear deck of ves1, near two exhaust mufflers. 

Heat from the exhaust caused the plastic fuel can to build pressure and melt. Gasoline sprayed from the can directly onto the hot exhaust. Upon catching fire, the operator and passenger exited the vessel wearing type 3 pfd's. While in the water, the passenger contacted the staff at falgout canal marina and requested assistance. The marina staff notified the terrebonne parish sheriff's office. The sheriff's office water patrol and a good samaritan rescued the two men, and assisted in towing ves1 to falgout canal marina. While at the marina, the vessel flooded from the damage sustained and sank. Ves1 was later lifted from the waters and placed onto its trailer.

         agents investigating the matter did not detect impairment.
LAKE DECADE
THERIOT                       