RedactedNarrative: Operator # 1 stated to the effect:     I was leaving the creek and accelerated to about 20 mph.  I then heard a loud pop followed by an explosion.  When I looked back, the engine compartment hatch flew off the boat into the air and a large burst of flames came up and around the people sitting in the back of the boat (victim # 1 and #2).  When this happened we all jumped out of the boat into the water.  A friend in another boat later showed up and helped us.  The two that were hurt were then taken by the other State Police boat for help.  
  
    Wittness # 1 Stated to the effect:  I was in the cabin when I heard the explosion.  I grabbed my dog and got out of the cabin.  We all then jumped into the water.  
  
    Investigation Revealed:     On the listed date and time, Vessel # 1 was leaving Roundabout Creek entering Great Bay, Little Egg Harbor Twp.  As the operator accelerated from the slow speed area the vessel backfired, causing an explosion.  The engine compartment cover blew off the vessel located at the stern of the vessel exposing flames to victim s who were seated at the stern of the vessel.  Passenger # 1 heard the explosion and exited the cabin area with her dog.  All 4 occupants and the dog then jumped into the waterway in approximately 5 feet of water and swam away from the burning vessel.  A friend of the operator arrived shortly after and picked up the occupants.  SFC took the victims to Great Bay Blvd. to meet with medical transport.  	
  
    Injuries Sustained:    Victim # 1 sustained minor burn injuries to the neck area.  He was taken to Southern Ocean County Hospital, Stafford NJ for evaluation.  He was treated and released.  Victim # 2 sustained 1st and 2nd degree burns to his torso and head area.  He was flown to Temple Burn Unit Philadelphia PA by Penstar 6.  He was treated and released on 7/4/17.  
  
    Vessel Damage Sustained:    Shortly after the explosion vessel # 1 became fully engulfed with flames.  The vessel continued to burn to the waterline.  The vessel drifted into about 2 feet of water and approximately 50 feet from the marsh line.  LEHT Fire and Rescue extinguished the remains.  The vessel remains are partially submerged and owner will be responsible to remove same from the waterway.
  
       It should be noted that the operator advised me that he recently purchased the vessel and was doing engine work to same.  He indicated that he bought the boat for $3k dollars and invested $600 into same.  He stated that it was running rough earlier in the day.  It should also be noted that the vessel was not registered by the operator.  He was issued a summons for Failure to Register.  The statements from victims aboard vessel concurred with operator # 1.  No other witnesses were identified at the scene.  Arson Bomb Unit was notified and appraised of this accident.  Crime Scene responded and documented same.
  