Safety Documentary

Safety tip!  Battery terminals should be covered.

 On August 16, 2000, around 8:30p.m. an old time fisherman beached his Bass Tracker in front of his campsite on the Nemo area of Pomme de Terre lake in Missouri.

He decided to refill his portable gas tank from a metal 3 gallon reserve he had on hand.  Opening his lid to the closed compartment, housing the two metal gas tanks and two marine batteries, he removed the cap from the
right-hand tank.  Bracing himself he picked up the reserve gas can and began filling his nearly empty tank.

Suddenly, a wake from a passing boat caused him to drop the reserve tank.  It fell on the two uncovered batteries causing a short circuit.  This resulted in a huge flash fire that engulfed the stern compartment, the fisherman, the console and the entire boat.  In fact, he had to jump into the water to douse the fire on himself!

Luckily, other campers came to his rescue and called the fire department.  After all the chaos, he was transported to our local hospital (30 miles away) for burn treatment.  It appeared that he received second and third degree burns on his right hand and arm.  He stated that the burned skin was just "hanging" from his forearm.

This fisherman is a very thankful person and is confident he will be back on the Pomme soon, fishing for those nighttime Catfish!

This documentary certainly reinforces the Auxiliary's Vessel Safety Check teachings that battery terminals should be covered.  Also, when you need to refill portable gas tanks do it on the dock or on the ground away from the boat!


Don Van Daley, FC
Flotilla 54
Pomme De Terre Lake, Missouri