The following incident occurred on September 20, 2009 at approximately 1420 hours.

Vessel 1 was cruising on the Piscataqua River when the engine hatch suddenly blew off in an explosive manner and the engine stalled.  The force of the explosion knocked one of the occupants into the engine compartment, causing him to sustain first and second degree burns.  The operator pulled the injured party out of the engine compartment and then attempted to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher.  It appeared that the fire was out, but then it flared up again.  The operator used a second extinguisher to try to subdue the flames, but was unsuccessful.  He had the occupants board another vessel that had approached Vessel 1, dropped anchor himself, and then swam to the other vessel.  The fire aboard vessel 1 resulted in a complete loss of vessel, as it burned completely down to the water line.
Dover                         