Early Thursday morning, June 21, 2007, at 12:19 a.m., the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a water rescue. The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center advised responding apparatus that they had received a call for an overdue boater. First Assistant Chief Ryan Mock arrived at Massey's Landing and established the command post operations and began planning search initiatives.
80 Marine 1, under the command of Deputy Chief Brian Hubbs launched and proceeded to the Rehoboth Bay area to formulate search patterns. 80 Marine 2, under the command of Second Assistant Chief Steve Hawkins launched and proceeded to the Indian River Bay to begin search operations. Indian River fire and rescue personnel were assisted by the United States Coast Guard and Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife Marine Police.
Approximately 45 minutes into the search we were assisted by an aviation unit from LifeNet. 80 Marine 1 and LifeNet aviation units spotted a vessel in the Rehoboth Bay flashing its lights at the responders.
80 Marine 1 made contact with the vessel and transported its occupants to Massey's Landing, while LifeNet Aviation Unit #2 provided lighting for the rescue response personnel. There were no injuries to the occupants of the vessel.
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