Three men jump into water after Lake Hume boat fire

Another boat rescued the Kergunyah boat owner, 22, and his two companions from the water near the Lake Hume resort boat ramp about 1pm.

Nobody was injured, but the inboard motor boat was destroyed to the water line.

The owner told Albury police an explosion occurred in the engine compartment, which erupted into flames that quickly spread.

He had recently installed a new inboard engine and this had been the boat’s first run with that engine.

Police suspected mechanical failure and did not expect to take any further action.

West Wodonga’s Phebe Lefoe, 17, witnessed the incident from shore.

"The boat was just going really slow, making a funny noise,” she said.

“There was a big bang sound that sounded a bit like a gunshot and then there were flames."

Albury’s Doug Hitchens, who was fishing nearby, said the three young men had not been long on the water in their boat before the fire.

"They were trying to put the fire out but they just couldn't so they decided to bail, get off the boat while they still could," he said.

The boat was well alight when emergency services arrived.

A crew from Lake Hume Coast Guard supported fire brigades from Thurgoona, Bonegilla and Wodonga as the blaze was fought on the water and the boat towed back to shore.

Thurgoona Rural Fire Brigade senior deputy captain Ross Wilson said a tow truck had to be called to remove the damaged boat from the area.

Mr Wilson said although unhurt, the three men were wrapped in blankets after being in the cold water.

He encouraged everyone to make sure their boating equipment was fit to be used after a break.

“We get a lot of wheel bearing fires from boats that have sat all winter and then they bring them out,” he said.

“Also boat motors that haven't been serviced over the winter months. So we just recommend that they have all their gear maintained before they head out."