BOAT SINKS ON LAKE NORMAN; NO INJURIES

By Jon Mayhew

DENVER -- Firefighters from East Lincoln and Denver were called to Lake Norman around 8:30 a.m. Friday. Reports from the scene indicated an unoccupied pontoon boat sank at the dock at 7902 Pinecove Lane off McConnel Road and Webbs Road.

Denver firefighters requested assistance from East Lincoln Fire Department -- including use of ELFD's fire boat -- to help clean up the fuel spill in the lake caused when the boat sank.

Workers couldn't immediately raise the boat from the water because the cranes used to do so were in use at Westport Marina on Highway 16. Today, the cranes were set to pull the "Championship II" out of the water.

The boat sank Tuesday afternoon around 5:30 p.m., 90 minutes after exploding while refueling. Nathan Coppick of Denver was thrown under the boat by the force of the explosion and drowned. His body was recovered Wednesday night after Hazmat crews cleaned up a 150 gallon fuel spill.

Authorities believe a spark caused the explosion and added Coppick and boat owner Cliff Cha8-mpion followed all procedures to the letter.

The explosion Tuesday rocked businesses across the street from the marina and blew all of the windows out of Champion's boat.

His boat has become a fixture on Lake Norman, a popular destination for parties of all kinds including weddings and graduations.

Before refueling Tuesday, Champion hosted a graduation party. Five people were on the boat including the father of the graduate. The two males and females escaped without major injury.

Fire Marshal Mike Futrell said it may be next week before a definite cause of the explosion is determined.