Fire investigators believe they know the cause of an explosion that “practically disintegrated” a 42-foot sailboat at a Norfolk marina.

The vessel ripped apart August 8th along the 4800 block of Pretty Lake Avenue in Ocean View. The powerful explosion blew out windows of boats in other docks, and even in nearby condos.

Investigators believe the explosion was the result of propane gas that collected within the cabin area of the boat. THey say the build up was probably the result of a leak.

However, they have not identified the ignition source for the explosion. They do say that the explosion was an accident.

One man is hospitalized with major injuries, according to Battalion Chief Bruce Evans.

Witnesses say the victim was tinkering with his propane stove just before the blast.

A dive salvage team says it's a good theory, but they're waiting to resurrect the boat chunk by chunk before giving a cause.

"We're just going to get a visual of what's down there," said salvage diver Ryan Nolasco. "Try and pick some up to help the investigators."

They also are cleaning diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid from the water.

The explosion was so powerful that debris scattered along Pier C was all that's left.

“You’re dealing with a well populated marina,” said Bruce Evans of Norfolk Fire and Rescue. “Certainly, there could have been ten to twenty on neighboring boats. This could have been very catastrophic.”

Willie Madison was one of the first to help the victim to shore.

“He was sitting on the dock dazed and confused,” said Madison. “He got burned, but he walked out of there. We are crossing our fingers for him.”

Fellow boaters knew the victim as "Fritz", a savvy middle-aged boater who loved his old-fashioned wooden vessel.

"Things happen, and thank God he's alive and he has the strength to survive," said friend Bill Dicampli. "That's what sea life is all about."

Fire investigators are still unclear on what caused the explosion.