The operator stated that during normal operation of his vessel, he started to smell smoke from the engine room.  The operator slowed the vessel down and opened hatches to below decks. operator stated that smoke started billowing up from below and he tried to fight with the fire with a fire extinguisher but was overwhelmed with smoke.  The operator made a SOS call, vacated the vessel onto a dingy and paddled away from the fire that had engulfed the vessel.  operator was picked up another recreational vessel in the area.
ISLAMORADA                    