On April 16, 2023, myself (Game Warden 1), and Game Warden 2 were on patrol on Lake Travis. We were conducting a recreational fishing check in Mossy Hollow when we heard a report of a boat on fire near Point Venture. We responded to the area and located the burning vessel. When we arrived on scene, we could only see the top part of the engine block which was engulfed in flames. The fire department arrived on scene at the same time and attempted to extinguish the fire, but the vessel soon sank in 70+ feet of water. LCRA was informed of the location of the sunken vessel.  

After receiving information from Travis County that all parties were accounted for, we traveled to Briarcliff Marina to interview the operator and one other passenger. operator stated that they had fueled up initially at Briarcliff Marina where the vessel was stored and traveled down the lake to Rough Hollow Marina where they refueled again. operator stated that after filling up at Rough Hollow, they could smell gas. operator stated that the vessel caught fire on two separate occasions. operator said that they were able to put the fire out the first time with the on-board fire-extinguisher. After the vessel caught fire the second time (between Siesta Shores Marina and Point Venture), they were unable to extinguish it. operator stated that they, along with their dog, abandoned the vessel and swam to shore near the boat ramp on Whispering Hollow Drive in Point Venture. Both parties stated that there were life jackets on board, but they did not grab them prior to abandoning the vessel. operator stated that he called a friend and had him pick them up and take them back to Briarcliff Marina where we interviewed them. 

operator stated that he believes the cause of the fire was a fuel leak which ignited.  

***Note*** The vessel is currently registered to owner. I contacted owner and he informed me that he sold the boat to operator approximately 6-8 months ago for $4500.
0743 TRAVIS
Point Venture                 