Boat explosions in Georgia: What to check on your boat to ensure safety before hitting lake
Though shocking, boating experts say these kinds of explosions are often avoidable, and more common than many people realize.
Here is a recap of recent boat explosions.
Boat explosions in Georgia
On July 4, 2025, two separate boat explosions on North Georgia lakes left at least ten people injured.
The first explosion happened on Lake Lanier near the Margaritaville resorts in Hall County. A boat carrying seven people, including children as young as five, erupted into flames while being towed. Fortunately, everyone was rescued.
Later that same day, another explosion occurred on Lake Nottely in Union County, severely injuring three teenage brothers during a family tubing trip.
The blast happened shortly after the family had stopped to refuel their boat. All three boys sustained burns, with one 17-year-old suffering burns over 80% of his body.
Both incidents are still under investigation.
On July 4th, 2025, a boat exploded on Lake Lanier in Hall, injuring another seven people. Those victims ranged in age from 5 to 45.
What causes boat explosions?
According to BoatUS, gasoline fumes are the number one cause of boat explosions. The typical chain of events goes like this: a fuel leak releases gasoline vapors into the bilge or engine compartment, where they can accumulate.
If those vapors come into contact with a spark from the engine, battery, or electrical equipment, it can trigger a powerful explosion.
Fuel leaks often happen due to old, brittle hoses, corroded fittings, or faulty fuel shutoffs. Ethanol in gasoline can also degrade hoses faster than expected.
Even something as routine as stepping on a fuel line during engine maintenance can cause damage that leads to a leak.
How to ensure boat safety
Here are key tips from BoatUS and marine safety experts to help prevent boat explosions:
Inspect fuel lines and hoses regularly (if they're over 10 years old, they may need to be replaced).
Use only USCG-approved A1-15 hose
Run the bilge blower for at least 4 to 5 minutes after fueling to clear out any fumes.
Smell for fuel before starting the engine. If you smell gas, don't start the boat.
Shut off all engines and electrical systems during fueling, and make sure you're using the correct fuel fill port.
Ensure all engine parts and pumps are 'ignition protected' to prevent sparks in fuel areas.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Boat explosions in Georgia: How to keep your family safe on the lake
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