New Jersey Man Charged with Trying to Sink His Own Boat

June 16, 2011

A New Jersey fishing boat owner is charged in a botched attempt to sink his vessel to collect insurance money.

A federal indictment unsealed Wednesday charges 38-year-old Scott Tran of Cherry Hill, and three other men.

Authorities say Tran wanted to sink the Alexander II off Cape May.

He’s accused of hiring a crew to carry out the task. Though the captain and crew reported distress and took off in a life raft, the boat did not sink.

The boat owner, an assistant and two crew members were charged.

It’s not immediately clear whether Tran or the others have lawyers.