Vessel caught fire while cruising approximately 200 yards west Venice Inlet.

According to the operator, vessel was traveling westbound through the Venice Inlet.  While in the Gulf of Mexico, and approximately 200 yards west of the Venice Inlet, the operator stated that he heard a popping sound.  Shortly thereafter, a fire began at the stern area of the vessel.  The operator then attempted to extinguish the fire but was unable to.  As the vessel began to be consumed by the fire, the operator jumped out of the vessel.  The operator remained in the water until assisted by surfers and, then shortly thereafter,  Sarasota County lifeguards.  Upon my arrival via patrol vessel, I observed that the vessel was fully engulfed in flames north of the Venice Inlet and drifting north in direction.  I then assisted the Sarasota County lifeguards by removing the operator from the water.  I then transported two Sarasota County lifeguards and the operator closer to Nokomis Beach where the three exited my vessel and were able to get out of the water and onto the beach.
VENICE