Operator #1 Stated to the effect: He was drifting in the bay looking at his fishing chart when it turned off and he smelled smoke.  His son went inside the cabin and saw fire coming from behind the console when he grabbed the fire extinguisher to try to put it out.  He said it continued to smoke and they abandoned the boat onto another vessel in the area.

     Investigation revealed: Vessel #1, a 2004 Grady White bearing NJ registration was drifting within the Great Bay in Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County.  As the vessel drifted, white smoke began to appear from behind the console at its helm.  As time elapsed, flames began to appear at the helm area subsequently engulfing the entire vessel.  Vessel #1 sustained catastrophic damage as a result of the fire, burning down to its water line.  The flames on-board were extinguished by the NJ Forest Fire Helicopter dropping water into the hull causing it to sink.  SeaTow arrived on scene to recover the vessel.  See Investigation Report V540-2023-00009 for further information.  No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
GREAT BAY
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TWP         