On or about 8/13/23 at approx. 0945, V1, a 21'' SeaRay with TN registration departed from Sequoyah Marina headed upstream to Chilhowee Dam.  Operator is an experienced boater and has operated boats since childhood.  One person was sitting next to the operator.  All other occupants were in the open bow section of the vessel.  
	Upon arriving at Chilhowee Dam, a small amount of smoke was noticed in the engine compartment.  Operator took a very brief swim in the cold water.  V1 departed at approx. 10:50 headed downstream when subject1’s hat blew off and V1 turned around to retrieve it. Upon stopping more smoke was noticed coming from the engine compartment.  Operator then took back off headed downstream for a brief distance and noticed the boat was losing power and RPMs.  Operator shut the boat and quite a bit of smoke was coming from the engine compartment at this point.  Operator then lifted the engine compartment cover and flames erupted from this area.  At this point all the adults put a PFD on and abandoned the vessel thinking it could possibly blow up.  A group of good samaritans in a pontoon boat saw the boat on fire and came to the aid of V1 occupants.  Samaritans transported occupants back to Sequoyah Marina just prior to my arrival and WO at approx 12:00.
	After the interviews, WO and I went to retrieve the burned down vessel.  MCSO was on scene with the vessel.  WO and I pulled the burning vessel across the lake to a private drive where the fire department could extinguish the fire.  Afterwards, WO and I towed the vessel to Toqua boat ramp to either attempt to load the vessel on the trailer or a rollback.  The vessel sank in Toqua ramp area and a rollback and divers were used to retrieve the vessel.

TELLICO RESERVOIR
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