Vessel 1 was operated. The vessel is 16' long and constructed of fiberglass. The vessel was powered by an ea71 hoursepower subaru motor with remote steering. While underway in the intercoastal waterway(n29*39.053' w90*14.626'), the engine started sputtering. The operator stopped the vessel and cut off the engine. The operator noticed a fuel line ruptured and started dripping fuel onto the exhaust. 

The operator put the 2 passengers off on the bank and the vessel caught fire. The operator used his fire extinguisher to try and extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful.  The operator tried to throw the fuel tank out of the vessel when it exploded.  

The operator jumped into the water and waited for help. The vessel burned until it sank into the marsh.  Agents found no evidence of impairment, and pfd's and a fire extinguisher were used. The contributing factor's at this time include: 1 fault of machinery, 2 ignition of spilled fuel or vapor, and 3 fault of equipment. The incident is currently a fire/explosion(fuel) incident.

INTERCOASTAL WATERWAY
LAROSE                        