BOOM in Kemah, TX...Run your blower

[kenimpzoom]

Not really a stupid human trick. Just a reminder to run your blower.<br /><br /> http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2086374 <br /><br />Yacht blast near Kemah under investigation<br />Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle<br /><br />A yacht explosion that sent three people to the hospital over the weekend remains under investigation, officials said. <br /><br />The private boat erupted about 9 p.m. Saturday, minutes after refueling in the bay near Kemah and Seabrook. The force of the fiery explosion sent debris 60 feet in the air. <br /><br />The official cause of the blast, however, had not been determined by today, Seabrook fire officials said. Three people were rescued after the explosion and taken to area hospitals. Their conditions were not known today. <br /><br />The explosion happened around after the yacht, possibly a 38-footer, refueled with gasoline on the water, said Capt. David Huston of Towboat/U.S. Clear Lake. <br /><br />One man was taken by LifeFlight to Memorial Hermann Hospital and another man and woman were taken by ambulance to area hospitals. <br /><br />Huston said the people on the boat called his company to bring gasoline because they had run out and Capt. Harvy Bagley took them gas. Minutes after filling up, the boat exploded, sending debris as much as 60 feet from the boat, Huston said. <br /><br />"It was just a major explosion with debris everywhere. It just blew up," Huston said. <br /><br />Bagley circled the area calling out for the people on the boat. He managed to rescue all three and take them to a boat slip. Huston said the man taken by LifeFlight appeared to have two broken legs. <br /><br />"There's no question that if (Bagley) hadn't done what he did, they might not be alive," Huston said<br /><br />Ken

 

[SoulWinner]

Re: BOOM in Kemah, TX...Run your blower

Oops?

 

[wikelam]

Re: BOOM in Kemah, TX...Run your blower

yah got that right. the blowers are on the boat for a reason, and it ain't fer looks.<br /><br />Also use the bilge, if no automatic one is present. my buddy filled his new seadoo boat full of water. enuff to start to suck water into cylinders. didnt even know what it was for. took a while to get water out and running again, luckly no damage.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: BOOM in Kemah, TX...Run your blower

This one is kinda wierd. The boat started up after refueling and as they accelerated away...BOOM!<br /><br />I would have thought it would blow right when started. Sparks from the starter.<br /><br />P.S. The guy taken to the hospital had both legs broken (compound) and an ankle and foot broken. OUCH!!!<br /><br />Ken

 

[wezie]

Re: BOOM in Kemah, TX...Run your blower

Gasoline (hydrocarbon) vapors are heavier than air and settle into the lowest point.<br />Possibly, the vapor mixture in the bilge was too rich to explode until the vents/blowers cleared (leaned) part of it (just right). <br />Handling fuel in cans is a great way to slosh some about.<br />Before blowers, it was somewhat common to hear of boats exploding after leaving the fuel dock. <br />This example may lead to good habits and common sense. Blowers, check bilges, smell of bilges, clean up spills, etc. <br />It is a shame that all got hurt. The media glosses over "injuries" unless they can be sensational. Being blown overboard sounds painful to me. <br />And then they will have a probable round of blame and blame.<br />ie: If you read ramp stories, this event is not at all surprising; just a continuation.