Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a boat fire that started on Patoka Lake this evening around 4:00 pm.
Paul Eckert of Jasper was operating a sixty foot house boat when he heard an explosion from the engine compartment. The boat caught on fire and a boater nearby was able to get him to safety.
The boat and its contents were a total loss with an estimated value of around $90,000. The vessel is partially submerged in the water and will hopefully be removed in the upcoming days.
The incident occurred near the Patoka Lake Dam in Dubois County.
Responding Agencies included the Celestine Fire Department, Dubois Fire Department and Indiana Conservation Officers.
It is unknown at this time what caused the explosion that started the fire. The accident is still under investigation.
