CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating a boat explosion and fire that left one person seriously injured Sunday morning on Norris Lake near Cedar Grove Marina.
TWRA game wardens responded to the scene at approximately 9 a.m. on August 9, 2026, after Claiborne County 911 received reports of an explosion and boat fire with possible injuries.
When officers arrived, they found a vessel that had burned nearly completely to the waterline near the marina’s boat ramp. Authorities also located the boat’s two occupants, who had been aboard when the explosion occurred.
According to TWRA, the passenger suffered burn injuries and was airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. Information about the passenger’s condition has not been released.
Investigators say the vessel operator told officers the incident happened shortly after refueling the boat. The operator reported that when he attempted to start the engine and leave the fuel dock, the vessel exploded and caught fire.
Both occupants immediately jumped into the water and swam to a nearby dock, where marina employees helped them to safety.
According to the preliminary investigation, the operator stated he does not believe he activated the boat’s power ventilation system before starting the engine. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Marina personnel attempted to extinguish the fire using onboard fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. Staff then took quick action to prevent further damage by using the wake from personal watercraft to push the burning vessel away from the fuel dock and nearby boats.
Those efforts prevented the fire from spreading to other vessels and marina property.
The boat eventually drifted to shore, where it burned to the waterline.
TWRA officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for managing the state’s fish and wildlife resources and enforcing boating safety laws on Tennessee waterways.
