Operator stated they had just launched their watercraft at the Colvill Boat Launch in Red Wing. While they were cruising, the Operator thought they might have sucked some weeds up into their engine, so they stopped, turned the watercraft off and checked the engine area. Operator stated he then started the boat back up, when there was an explosion in the engine area. Operator stated he and his passenger put life jackets on, grabbed the fire extinguisher and attempted to extinguish the flames that had started. He expelled all of his fire extinguisher and the flames continued to get worse, so he and his passenger jumped into the water. to separate themselves from the burning watercraft. They were immediately picked up out of the water by another watercraft that was close by. The Operator/Owner of the watercraft told the Deputy that he had just filled up with gas prior to boating. He stated he did run his blower for a while prior to starting the watercraft. Red Wing Fire extinguished the fire and towed the boat back to the launch where it was removed by the owner. Both occupants of the boat denied medical attention and stated they were not injured. Alcohol was not a factor. The watercraft was a Total Loss.
Mississippi
Red Wing                      