Investigation at the scene revealed that vessel #1 was traveling north in Baremore Quarters.  Operator #1 stopped the vessel and for unknown reasons, a small fire started in the engine compartment.  Due to heavy smoke in the engine compartment, operator #1 was not sure if there were even flames.  Operator #1 discharged a hand held Kidde “BC” dry chemical fire extinguisher into the engine compartment and the smoke subsided.  At this time a Good Samaritan vessel assisted vessel #1 back to the public ramp at 5th Street in Brigantine.
Vessel #1 is powered by an inboard / outboard motor and the engine compartment is accessed through an engine cover at the stern of the vessel.  A check of the engine compartment did not reveal any obvious signs that any flames ever developed.  This could possibly indicated that the engine overheated.  The only visible damage was the protective cover on the engine intake appeared to be melted and there were also three vent hoses that were melted.  There was also a strong odor of melted plastic in the engine compartment.  
No injuries were reported as a result of this accident and there were no summons issued.
Brigantine                    