The family realized the boats engine caught fire while out on the water, and began to evacuate. Other boaters nearby pulled them out of the water while their boat was still ablaze. The Game Fish and Parks Department attempted to put out the fire while it was hauled to the dock by another boat.
Crews were able to put out the blaze and no injuries were reported.
"This is a good reminder for everybody that they have all of the safety equipment required by state law,” said Deputy Kirk Buchholz with the Pennington County Sheriffs Office. “To have a fire extinguisher, to have their throw able floatation devices, their life vests and all of that, and make sure that all of those are in good working order. Make sure that their fire extinguisher is actually charged, not expired or anything like that, that way they can be as safe as possible especially during the holiday weekend.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.