Boat 'Splodes in Florida; Guy Goin' Fishing Hurt
Mon Aug 8, 1:05 PM ET
A Jacksonville man preparing to participate in the Ancient City Kingfish Tournament was injured after his boat exploded early Saturday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said David Sutherland, 50, was transported by air ambulance to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center. Two passengers on the boat were not injured.
The explosion happened while Sutherland was preparing his 23-foot KenCraft Challenger fishing boat for a day of tournament fishing. He and his fishing companions launched the boat about 5:30 a.m. at the Vilano boat ramp and tied it off to the floating dock.
As Sutherland opened a compartment, an electrical short apparently ignited gas vapors that had accumulated inside. Investigators said the vapors were likely from an existing fuel leak that had accumulated in the closed compartment.
The explosion blew out one hatch, three built-in fishing rod holders and separated the boat's hull and cap, but quickly extinguished itself. The boat did not catch on fire.
FWC officers recommend that boaters routinely check fuel systems for leaks and open hatches to look for accumulated fuel or smell for fuel, even on outboard motor boats.
A Jacksonville man preparing to participate in the Ancient City Kingfish Tournament was injured after his boat exploded early Saturday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said David Sutherland, 50, was transported by air ambulance to Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center. Two passengers on the boat were not injured.
The explosion happened while Sutherland was preparing his 23-foot KenCraft Challenger fishing boat for a day of tournament fishing. He and his fishing companions launched the boat about 5:30 a.m. at the Vilano boat ramp and tied it off to the floating dock.
As Sutherland opened a compartment, an electrical short apparently ignited gas vapors that had accumulated inside. Investigators said the vapors were likely from an existing fuel leak that had accumulated in the closed compartment.
The explosion blew out one hatch, three built-in fishing rod holders and separated the boat's hull and cap, but quickly extinguished itself. The boat did not catch on fire.
FWC officers recommend that boaters routinely check fuel systems for leaks and open hatches to look for accumulated fuel or smell for fuel, even on outboard motor boats.
posted by Johnny at 1:18 PM
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