Three people jumped off a burning boat into Lake Minnetonka and swam to shore as the flames sent billowing smoke high into the nighttime sky, authorities said Monday.
The incident occurred about 8:20 p.m. Sunday in Smith Bay and left the trio unscathed but the runabout pleasure boat a total loss, said Long Lake Fire Chief James Van Eyll.
Two women and a man had been out on the lake and were preparing to come in for the day when they heard a "large pop" while trying to restart the engine, Van Eyll said.
One look at the smoke and the three dived into the water and swam the short distance to nearby docks, the fire chief said.
Fire personnel took until 11 p.m. to clear the scene, Van Eyll said.
