  High Res Photo July 24, 2004, Lake Macatawa, Holland, Mi. A fiery inferno consumed a 1959-vintage wooden boat sparked by a violent explosion that killed a 52-year- old male. According to Chief Todd Stein, of the Holland Coast Guard Station, the boat carried a full tank of gas and the owner had recently had work done on the boat’s carburetors. The owner and his dog although stunned by the explosion leaped over overboard, suffering minor burns. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. “High Res Photo”: August 23, 2003; fire fighters beat down a boat blaze that consumed a 34-foot Tiarra power boat at a Frankfort, Michigan marina. The fire reportedly stemmed from an electrical short sparked by a faulty battery cables. Photo credits: Holland fire- Jim Kransberger (other Kransberger photos can be viewed at www.waterlinephots.com ) The Frankfort fire- Senior Chief Tom Rau Boat fires can be deadly Fire-wise boating tips Boat fires unlike pending foul weather or other boating mishaps, strike with such swiftness that often the only defense is vigilant prevention that begins at the dock. During the spring of 2003, a fire that broke out aboard a power boat moored at a Ludington Marina, claimed a man’s life. Reportedly the man fell asleep in a forward cabin with a lighted cigar in hand. On August 1, 2003 a 23-foot power boat with four people aboard caught fire at Arcadia’s Veterans Memorial Marina (Lake Michigan) shortly after departing the fuel dock. The blast blew out the cabin windows, propelled a cooler and other gear into the lake and knocked the eye glasses off a woman standing near the engine hatch. According to Ron Stoops, an Arcadia Township volunteer fire fighter the fuel vent line had deteriorated dripping fuel into the bilges, which ignited as the operator attempted to restart the boat a third time after it had stalled moments after leaving the fuel dock. The operator knocked down flames welling atop the fuel tank with a fire extinguisher. “If not for that fire extinguisher it could’ve been a disaster,” said Mr. Stoops. Remarkably, two of the four people aboard only suffered minor burns. Boaters should often check fire alarm systems; boat vibrations and motion may effect a malfunction. Also, check engine spaces for fire sources like deteriorating fuel lines, loose clamps, and fuel in the bilges. Gasoline vapors linger about like the patience of deadly sniper. Before starting the engine, operate blower at least 4 minutes and check engine compartment bilge for gasoline vapors. Open hatches before starting the engine and smell for fumes. Make sure openings are free of obstruction, ducts are not blocked or torn, blowers operate properly, and worn components are replaced with equivalent marine type components. Do not use automotive parts on marine engines. Boat Smart, keep it cool before it turns hot. Group
Grand Haven | USCG
Office of Boating Safety
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