On above date and time I was notified from dispatch of a vessel in distress on fire in the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. The vessel was located near the Delaware Maryland line, approx tow miles West from Summit Bridge and near the C and D Canal Wildlife Fishing Pier. I arrived on the scene and made contact with Middletown Voluntary Fire Company Chief who informed me that the vessel''s fire had been safely put out. I then made contact with owner and operator and passenger. Operator stated that at around 0645 they boarded their 36'' Moonraker Documented and were headed East along the C and D Canal to visit Cape May New Jersey. After Passing the Delaware Maryland line they noticed gray smoke coming from where the two 175 hp Perkins Diesel are located. Operator investigated by opining the hatch to asses the motors. He stated the smoked turned black and the he noticed flames towards the Port side motor. He attempted to make a couple mayday calls on the VHF Radio but he was on the wrong channel. He contacted 911 and made them aware of his situation. Very quickly the boat was engulfed in flames and forced Operator and Passenger to place on PFD''s and enter the water. Moments later two unknow jet skis noticed the smoke and found the two individuals in the water. They brought them safely to land on the South Side of the C and D canal. The local Volunteer Fire Company''s were quickly on scene and were able extinguish the fire and anchor the remains of the vessel from the Stern approx. 30 yards from shore near the fishing pier approx latitude N 35.53438, W -75.77283. Tow Boat US arrived moments later and attempted to patch the boat in hopes to two it Summit North Marina for removal. Due the the incoming tide they were unsuccessful. Tow Boat US evaluated and determined that they were going to need a specialty crew involving three divers to remove the vessel. They scheduled the dive and removal for Thursday July 27th at 0800 hours.

On Thursday July 27th at 1430 hours the vessel was successfully removed from the C and D Canal by Tow Boat US.
Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
Delaware City                 