Operator #1 Stated in effect: Soon after refueling, we were driving East in the Toms River when the engine exploded and the boat caught fire. A good Samaritan, that was in the area, let us swim to his boat and transported us to shore.

Investigation Revealed: While traveling Eastbound on the Toms River in the area of Island Heights, Ocean County, Vessel #1 caught fire. Efforts were made by Operator #1 to extinguish the fire with a hand-held fire extinguisher, however, all occupants onboard quickly decided to abandon the vessel and swim to another nearby vessel for safety. Toms River Fire Department boats responded, extinguished the fire, and deemed it nothing suspicious in nature. Other occupants onboard Vessel #1 corroborated with Operator #1 's statement in that while underway, the vessel suddenly exploded, causing the fire.

Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office did not respond.

No injuries were reported.

Vessel was towed to Boat US Barnegat Light by Boat US.

TOMS RIVER
ISLAND HEIGHTS                