On 9/9/2023, OP1 along with the occupants stated above, was returning to Kawama Marina from a day of fishing. OP1 navigated his vessel towards the boat dock. During this action, OP1 noticed that the vessel steering wheel started to seize, making turning wheel difficult. Additionally, the outboard motor would not rotate in response to the steering wheel being turned. Shortly after OP1 observed smoke coming from the rod holders, anchor well, the electronics compartment within the center console, and stern hatches. 
OP1 evacuated all the occupants and immediately grabbed both fire extinguishers from V1 spraying the anchor well, center console and stern hatches. Smoke continued to spew from the above-described areas. OP1 and PAX called fire rescue and ran to their residence to retrieve additional fire extinguishers. Fire rescue arrived on scene and began extinguishing the fire on V1.
 At approximately 4:18, FWC arrived on scene. Witness statements were collected from the two adults, and the three juveniles were interviewed. As fire rescue extinguished the first fire, a secondary fire started within the inner hull of V1. The secondary fire was extinguished using chemical foam. Smoke could no longer be visibly seen coming from V1. A large burn hole in the fiberglass, measuring approximately a foot long can be visibly seen on the starboard inner gunwale of V1. On the starboard hull towards the midship of V1, the fiberglass was heat warped and uneven, suggesting that the interior structure in that area is no longer structurally sound. Additionally, no visible flames could be seen coming from V1 during the extent of the incident. This information combined with the fact that the steerage malfunctioned before the fire, suggests that the fire could have originated in the area near or around the power steering pump. Throughout the duration of the incident, the vessel remained stationary in front of the boat ramp. No occupants on the vessel were injured during the incident. Pictures of V1 were collected for the incident summary report.

Atlantic Ocean
KEY LARGO                     