Operator #1 stated: " I was crusing along when all of a sudden I saw black smoke coming out of the engine compartment."

Investigation revealed:  Vessel #1 was traveling south in the Intercoastal Waterway at marker #225, when a fire started in the engine compartment. Operator #1 and listed passengers observed dark black smoke coming from the engine compartment with visable flames. Operator #1 deployed his anchor and a passing boater assisted with removing operator #1 and his passengers. Margate fire dept, USCG, Longport fire Dept.(Fire Boat) and sea tow arrived on scene. Longport Fire boat quickly extinguished the fire.  I observed burnt electrical wires and smoke damage to the engine compartment.
Margate City