On Saturday, May 20, 2023 at approximately 8:00pm, operator prepared his boat to launch at the Yacht Club boat ramp near the Walnut Grove Campground at Milford State Park. The boat was a 16' 1975 Glastron V-172 with a fiberglass hull and I/O engine bearing Oklahoma registration numbers. The boat had been registered in Kansas and assigned the numbers, but the new numbers had not yet been affixed to the hull. 

Operator started the boat's engine on land and let it run for approximately one minute. The blower was not used. He then launched the boat and started the engine. The engine fired and died once. When he attempted to start the engine again, it backfired and there was an explosion. Operator and his single occupant immediately jumped overboard and swam to shore. 

Operator stated there were PFDs and a fire extinguisher on board, but not enough time to use them. The boat and everything on board, including approximately $3000 worth of fishing equipment, was completely destroyed by the fire. The vessel was removed from the water and towed to Gross Wrecker Services, 912 E. 7th St, Junction City, KS 66441. I examined and photographed the remains of the boat at the salvage yard. Based on my training and experience, I believe accumulated fumes under the cowling were ignited, causing an explosion in the engine compartment.

Milford Reservoir
Junction City                 