6 rescued after boat catches fire in N.J. inlet

A private boat towing company and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated in the rescue of six people after a boat caught fire in a southern New Jersey waterway Sunday.

A person aboard the 41-foot pleasure boat contacted the Coast Guard via marine radio to request help near the Great Egg Inlet shortly before 4:30 p.m., triggering a response from a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Station Great Egg.

The Coast Guard responders arrived on the scene to find a TowBoatUS crew, who extinguished the fire and later towed the boat to C-Jam Marina in Somers Point.

The six people were transported to Seaview Marina in Ocean City on the Coast Guard boat. None were injured.

Officials did not disclose the extent of damage to the boat.

“Fires happen on boats more often than you think,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Redilla. “A fire on the water is very serious since help can be far away. Always check your fire extinguishers before you get underway to make sure they’re ready if you need them.”