DENVER, N.C. --
It had been a top-of-the line boat with a V-8 engine and a water pump, that could spray out 2,400 gallons every minute.
"When the marina called us and told us our boat had sunk, we were hoping someone was playing a practical joke on us," said Dion Burleson, with Denver Fire Department.
Saturday evening, firefighters were trying to salvage what parts they could from the $225,000 boat.
Firefighters believe Friday night's storms played a role in the sinking because Lake Norman was pounded by heavy rains and big waves.
Burleson said the pool of water on the boat deck could have caused a mechanical failure, but the investigation is still ongoing.
The boat's manufacturer, Lake Assault Boat, is driving down overnight from Wisconsin with a temporary replacement vessel.
By Saturday afternoon, Denver had already contacted Cornelius Fire Department and informed them they would need help in case of a true emergency on the lake.
"We have to rely on one another to get the job done, and get the job done effectively," said Burleson.
Just two weeks ago Denver's other boat, a rescue boat, was taken out of commission when someone shot a bullet into its motor.
It needed a $2,500 repair, which was completed on Friday.
"It's definitely not our year," joked Burleson. "But these things happen and in the fire service, we are taught to adapt and improvise and be ready for Plan B."
Eyewitness News asked if other nearby fire departments were using Lake Assault boats, since those boats could also have potential mechanical issues. But Denver firefighters said it's the only department in the area with that kind of boat.
Denver said its insurance covered the cost of repairs to their rescue boat and insurance will also cover the cost of repairing or replacing the fire boat that sank Saturday.
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