RedactedNarrative: Operator 1 advised he was operating the vessel when a small fire started in the center console. He attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher however he was unable to do so. 01 advised he then went overboard in order to avoid the fire.
  
  Investigation on scene revealed that 01 was operating Vl heading southbound in the ICW in Strathmere Bay, Upper Twp, Cape May County, NJ. Near channel marker 327 a small fire began in the center console of the vessel. Efforts were made to extinguish the fire which were met with negative results. As a result 01 entered the water to avoid injury and the entire vessel sustained significant fire damage. A passerby assisted 01 out of the water and brought him to the shore near the Bayview Avenue Boat ramp. The Strathmere Fire Department also arrived on scene to assist. Once on land, 01 proceeded to his vehicle and departed the scene without providing any information, abandoning Vl in the water.
  
  01 was later identified and I was able to make contact with him. 01 advised he left the scene because he did not think that he needed to speak with anyone. 01 advised he thought the vessel completely sunk and that he did not need to remove it from the water. Arrangements were then made by 01 and the vessel was eventually removed from the waterway. 01 advised that he had purchased the vessel approximately 2 months prior but he had not yet registered it yet nor did he possess a boating safety certificate. 01 further advised that he did not sustain any injuries from this incident.
  
  Vessel is a total loss.
  