Investigation revealed:  two people purchased the previously described vessel on June 28, 2011 at approximately 2:00 PM.  While entering the Cape May Canal from the Delaware Bay and somewhere near the Cape May Ferry Terminal, Operator heard a muffled "pop" behind him.  When he turned and looked he observed flames around the engine.  Operator had his passengers don PFD's and exit the vessel.  Operator attempted to extinguish the fire but he was unsuccessful.  All passengers made it to shore safely.  
The vessel drifted ashore in front of Rutger's Aqua-Culture Laboratory in Lower Township.  Town Bank Fire apparatus were able to extinguish the fire from that location.  Sea Tow then towed the vessel to Spicers Creek Boat Ramp in Lower Township.  Once there, the vessel was pulled from the water by Operators vehicle which bearing New Jersey registration number LYU50N.  The vessel was on a trailer bearing New Jersey registration T22F5H.  The entire interior of the vessel was burnt as well as the top portion of the motor.  Sgt. of the Cape May City Police Department also arrived on scene.  
The vessel was then towed to the Lower Township Public Works yard by Operator and parked there as Operator was concerned about parking the vessel at his residence in the event the vessel re-ignited.

Lower Twp.                    