RedactedNarrative: ON 04/05/14 a Boating Accident occurred on the Anclote River Channel Pinellas County, FL. Three Occupants were on board when the vessel’s rubber vent hose's caught on fire. 
  
  When we arrived at the vessel in distress there were three occupants aboard the vessel and the engine hatch was open and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The owner of the vessel had a wet towel trying to cool off the engine. There appeared to be two melted rubber hoses that were still smoking and very hot. We notified dispatch to contact Pasco Fire Rescue and we hip towed the vessel to the Anclote River Boat Ramp approximately two miles to the East of our location. We placed the three occupants aboard our vessel in case the fuel ignited. Once back at the boat ramp Pasco Fire Rescue determined that there was no danger of an explosion. 
  
  I interviewed the operator/owner of the vessel later identified.  He stated that the vessel was running hot and then the rubber hoses began to smoke. He stopped the vessel and opened the engine hatch and placed the vessel at anchor. The owner/ operator of the vessel stated that this has happened once before in the past. He stated that he thinks the hoses are dry rotted and caught on fire from the heat of the engine.