An explosion on a boat traveling downstream on the Mississippi River in the Dardenne Slough near Lake Center Marina injured three people on the evening of August 25, 2024. The incident occurred around 7:22 p.m. and was reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The vessel involved was a 1995 Bayliner, operated by Fernando A. Discresce, 72, of St. Louis, Missouri. The boat sustained moderate damage and was towed to the Yacht Club of St. Louis by Tow Boat US. According to the report, the explosion was caused by a malfunction in the blower motor, leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
All three occupants on board sustained burns. Fernando A. Discresce, the driver, and Jennifer L. Gust, 49, of St. Peters, Missouri, both suffered minor injuries. They refused medical treatment at the scene. Laurie A. Shrum, 61, of Chesterfield, Missouri, sustained moderate injuries and was transported by the St. Charles County Ambulance District to Mercy Hospital St. Louis for further treatment.
All individuals were wearing flotation devices at the time of the incident. The cause of the blower motor malfunction is under investigation.
