RedactedNarrative: Operator launched his 19' Tracker Marine Q4 Tahoe with I/O engine from Cowpen Landing Access Area on the Neuse River at about 10:00 A.M., On June 26th, 2015. He and his passenger, Occupant, headed up river a short distance, anchored on the northern bank of the river and began fishing. At about 10:30 A.M., Operator decided to change fishing locations. While still at anchor, he attempted to start the engine. While turning the key in the ignition, he heard a loud pop coming from the rear of the vessel. Operator turned around and saw smoke coming out of the rear hatch to the engine compartment. He then opened the hatch and flames erupted out of the compartment. operator could not get to the fire extinguisher because it was stored near to the engine compartment.
  
  Operator and Occupant, who were already wearing PFDs, then jumped overboard into the river and began floating down river. A plane flying overhead spotted the burning vessel and called 911 who then dispatched emergency services. Operator and Occupant floated/swam/waded to the boat ramp and arrived at the ramp at about the same time emergency services arrived on scene. The vessel by this time had burnt free of its anchor line and floated down river. It ended up aground on the south side of the river across from Cowpen Landing Access Area. Both Vanceboro and New Bern Fire Departments responded. New Bern Fire Department's fire boat extinguished the flames while the vessel was aground.
  
  Operator stated this was the first time he had taken the vessel out this year. He indicated he had not filled the vessel up with fuel since last year. He also said he did not run the fuel ventilation system prior to starting the vessel. Impairing substances are not suspected to have contributed to this incident. I suspect residual fumes from fuel vapor ignited while Operator attempted to start the vessel leading to the engine compartment catching on fire.
   