Harrison, ID: On August 4th at around 3:00 pm, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a boat that exploded and there were occupants in the water near the Conklin Park Marina. Patrol Deputies, Marine Deputies, the Kootenai County Dive Rescue Team and fire personnel from both Eastside Fire and Worley Fire responded to the area.
As units were responding it was noted three occupants were in the water but were able to get out of the water. Deputies and fire personnel arrived on scene and observed an older inboard/outboard powerboat that was burned to the water line and beginning to sink. There were three occupants who were not injured during the explosion.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and at this time it appears the explosion was due to built up gas fumes in the engine compartment. The operator of the vessel also advised he had not run his blower. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all boaters to utilize their blower 3-5 minutes prior to starting your vessel and after fueling.
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
By: Lt. Ryan Higgins
20-32199