BOAT EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

By Jon Mayhew
06/28/2008 05:14:02 AM
DENVER -- A deadly boat explosion a little over two weeks ago is still under investigation according to Lincoln County Fire Marshal Mike Futrell.

A cause of the explosion was set to be released Wednesday; however, Futrell said his office is still collecting information that may be centering around either a spark that ignited vapors or the fuel used in refilling the boat.

Futrell said he's asking anyone that refueled a boat at Westport Marina two weeks prior to the boat explosion to call the fire marshal's office at
704-736-8516.

"We've already gotten a few telephone calls," said Futrell.

Meantime, the owner of Westport Marina told WSOC-TV that his equipment "checked out" after the explosion that killed 19-year-old Nate Coppick, Denver, and destroyed Cliff Champion's "Championship II" 80-foot tour yacht.

"We don't want this to ever happen again," said the owner.

Futrell said Champion is now living in a camper next to the boat but wasn't sure if Champion planned to get another boat.

The explosion happened while Coppick was refueling; investigators determined Champion and Coppick followed proper procedures in refueling. The explosion rocked surrounding businesses around the Highway 16 corridor.

Coppick's family said in the days following the explosion he enjoyed the outdoors and loved working at the marina. A 2006 graduate of North Lincoln High School, Coppick was studying business at North Carolina State University at the time of the accident.

The Carolina Scoop first broke news of the explosion that happened June 7 around 4 p.m.