Boat explodes in Norfolk - The Hull Truth

blueh20pc · 08-08-2007, 09:57 PM

Here's the link:

http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/....157e5d71.html

Anyone know anything about it?

Mud Runner · 08-08-2007, 10:18 PM

Chances are that it was a propane explosion. The marina is Bay Point Marina across from the Little CreekAmphibious base where I work. That Marina is also known for live aboards. It's a pretty scary and that God no one died. Not much info has been put out. It will take time tofind the actual cause.

prowlersfish · 08-09-2007, 08:14 AM

ouch

capndick · 08-09-2007, 09:18 AM

The Va Pilot newspaper reported the guy was working on a propane stove.

I assume propane gas accumulated in the bilge and went off. Blew out windows in adjacent boats and threw debris 40 feet into the air.

Lucky there was no fire, their pictures show some really nice boats close by.

CaptKennyW · 08-09-2007, 11:13 AM

A sailboater tinkering with his 30 year old stove so he doesnt have to buy a $10 part probally (no offence to sailboaters)

thubert57 · 08-10-2007, 09:44 AM

I keep my boat in the next marina owned by the same group. I'll see what the scuttlebutt is this weekend.

Mud Runner · 08-10-2007, 10:16 AM

The man's name was Chris. He did mobile marine repairs and lived on the boat. Unfortunately he lost an ear, a hand and had burns over 60% of his body. My prayers go out to him.

BlueWaterRunner · 08-12-2007, 07:49 AM

Prayer sent for the victim. Thats real sad.

den41 · 08-23-2007, 03:41 AM

I was having a beer in the marina bar when the explosion happened. We thought the base was under attack. The explosion knocked pictures, the clock and other stuff off the walls.
Chris is lucky to have survived that one.

Mud Runner · 08-27-2007, 09:41 AM

I previously gave the man's name as chris but it was Fritz (Frederic). He has unfortunately died as a result of the explosion.Prayers go out tofor his soul and hisfamily.

NORFOLK

The Aug. 8 boat explosion at Bay Point Marina on Pretty Lake Avenue was an accident caused by propane gas buildup in the cabin of the boat, investigators with Norfolk Fire-Rescue have concluded.

The blast destroyed a 42-foot sailboat and sent debris flying 40 feet into the air, seriously injuring a man.

The boat was being prepared for the installation of a new motor, the department said. A hose supplying gas for cooking either leaked or accidently was cut, investigators concluded. Investigators have not determined what ignited the gas.

Fire investigators have still not been able to speak with the injured man because of his ongoing medical treatment. His identity has not been released. Battalion Chief Bruce Evans said federal privacy law prevents him from discussing the man's condition. The man was not the owner of the boat, he said, but was working on it.

Witnesses and debris from the blast corroborate the department's findings, Evans said

Man hurt in Norfolk sailboat explosion dies of injuries

The Virginian-Pilot
© August 24, 2007 | Last updated 3:17 PM Aug. 24

NORFOLK — The man injured when a sailboat exploded Aug. 8 at a marina has died, Norfolk Fire-Rescue reported.

Frederick J. Hartz, 52, who lived on the boat, was injured when it exploded at Bay Point Marina. Investigators determined that propane gas used as cooking fuel had leaked into the cabin of the 42-foot boat, and was ignited.

Hartz died Thursday night of his injuries.

CaptKennyW · 08-27-2007, 11:09 AM

that sucks...