Boat Fire on Ossipee Lake

CENTER OSSIPEE, New Hampshire - On June 20, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol was notified of a boat fire with injury on Ossipee Lake in the town of Center Ossipee.
 
At approximately 2:45 p.m., members of Ward’s Boat Shop in Center Ossipee began a water test on a 1998 Hurricane deck boat by Godrey Marine Company when some of the vessels operating systems began faltering.  The operator, identified as Kevin Wells, age 68, of Freedom, NH intended to return the short distance to the boat launch when the vessel flashed over and caught fire.  The operator sustained superficial burns, but otherwise was not injured.
 
The boat came to rest against docks at the Lakefront Landing Marina causing fire damage.  Fire units contained the scene and were able to bring the boat to the launch ramp where it was removed.
 
Responding agencies included Center Ossipee Fire, West Ossipee Fire, Action Ambulance, New Hampshire State Police Troop E & Marine Patrol, and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
 
The boating incident is being investigated by the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol and is not considered suspicious at this time.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call Sergeant Joshua Dirth at (603) 227-2115.
 
Nothing further at this time.