Macomb Co. deputies investigate boat explosion, fire at St. Clair Shores marina

St. Clair Shores — Macomb County sheriff's deputies continue to investigate an explosion on a boat that also destroyed a second vessel, officials said Wednesday.

They said deputies with the sheriff's marine division were called at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday to Michigan Harbor next to Miller Marina on Lake St. Clair in St. Clair Shores for a fire on a boat. Callers also told police that two people who were on the boat had jumped into the water.

St. Clair Shores firefighters, police and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the call.

First responders found two boats fully engulfed by heavy smoke and flames. Officials said the first boat, a 26-foot Bayliner, was adrift and was believed to have just left Ken’s Gas Dock. The second and larger boat was moored to the end of the dock directly east of Ken’s. Both vessel fires were extinguished.

According to a preliminary investigation, two men who were on the Bayliner got fuel and departed. As they pulled away, there was a loud explosion and the vessel caught fire. The two men jumped into the water, swam to shore and fled on foot.

The Bayliner then drifted into the second vessel, which also caught fire. The second vessel was unoccupied.

Officials said both boats sank, but several other vessels in the area were damaged from the heat. No injuries were reported, they also said.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the Macomb County Sheriff's Office at (586) 307-9368.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez