Sunday May, 13 2012

Nature: Watercraft in Distress

Address: 38 36'39.83"n and 075 06'49.54"w (Indian River Bay off of White House Beach) Millsboro, 19966

On Sunday afternoon, May 13th, the Indian River (80), Rehoboth Beach (86), Bethany Beach (70) companies were activated for thier water rescue resources regarding a vessel in distress off of White House Beach in the Indian River Bay. It was reported a brown and white 19’ vessel was taking on water; the vessel was anchored with one sole on board and the motor was malfunctioning.

The United States Coast Guard from the Indian River Inlet Station and the Delaware Marine Police were alerted for the incident as well.

The emergency response units from Indian River (80) included: Utility 80-08 with 80 Marine 1 and Rescue 80 from the Oak Orchard facility; as well as Brush #80-00 with 80 Marine 2 from the Long Neck facility. Emergency response units from the Long Neck facility were assigned to report and prepare for launching via the waterways in the White House Beach development while the response units from the Oak Orchard facility were assigned to report and prepare for launching via the waterways at Massey’s Landing. Emergency response units from Rehoboth Beach responded with Marine 86. The Delaware State Fire Police were assigned to coordinate responses to the various marina locations and clear and protect access to the boat ramps.

Ongoing reports provided visual and audio updates with respect to the vessel in distress.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) was on location within a few minutes and attempted to board the vessel with personnel and de-watering pumps. Indian River’s 80 Marine 2 was on location while vessel access was attempted. The vessel became further submerged with personnel in the water. The USCG was able to retrieve the persons from the water. Indian River's 80 Marine 1 was approaching and identified that the vessel was further submerged with the exception of the bow area. 80 Marine 1 commenced with salvage recovery efforts for the floating debris and awaited arrival of the Delaware Marine Police. 80 Marine 2 was assigned to monitor and evaluate the overall situation.

The Delaware Marine Police released Indian River’s emergency response vessels.

The USCG remained on-scene awaiting arrival of Tow Boat US for the vessel recovery duties.

The mariner was returned to the Massey's Landing Boat Ramp via the USCG.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following web page:

(1) WGMD Radio 92.7 - http://www.wgmd.com/?p=56896

Boater Rescued from Indian River Bay in Long Neck

A lone boater was rescued Sunday afternoon after his motor malfunctioned and his 19-foot boat started to sink after taking on water in the Indian River Bay off of White House Beach in Long Neck.

Firemen from Indian River, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and Delaware Marine Police were alerted around 4:15 p.m.. 

Coast Guard personnel attempted to board the vessel with de-watering pumps but the boat became further submerged.

The owner of the boat was returned to Massey’s Landing Boat Ramp while the USCG remained on the scene to wait for the arrival of Tow Boat US for the vessel recovery duties.