On 07-15-2023 at approximately 1153 hours, I responded to the area near Havasu Riviera in reference to a boat fire with 5 subjects in the water. Upon arrival, I located the pontoon boat, identified as Vessel 1. The vessel was no longer smoking by the time I arrived on scene. All the occupants were out of the water and on a passerby’s vessel and advising no injuries. Sergeant used his onboard hose extinguish the fire. The operator of the vessel was on our Boating Safety Officer''s vessel. I spoke with Operator1 who stated the following:

Vessel 1 Operator:
In essence, Operator1 stated that he was headed south bound traveling approximately 15 miles per hour. He said all of the sudden his boat started to slow down and lose power. He looked back at the engine hatch and observed white smoke pouring out of the hatch. Operator1 said he never saw any flames, just smoke. All his passengers dawned life vests and jumped into the water. They were then picked up by a passing boat. San Bernardino Fire Boat arrived and assessed the vessel. Operator1 said that estimated damage to the engine was approximately $12,000. Tow boat arrived on scene and towed the vessel back to Lake Havasu Marina. Occupants were given a ride back to the marina.

LAKE HAVASU
Lake Havasu City, AZ          