Sunday July, 26 2020 @ 18:42

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1 – Assist Rehoboth Beach (86)

Location: 80, Medic 106

Address:  25105 Herring Landing, Lewes, DE 19958

On Sunday evening, the Indian River (80), Lewes EMS (82), Sussex County Paramedics, Delaware State Police Aviation and Ground Units, United States Coast Guard – Indian River Inlet Squadron, Delaware DNREC – Marine Police, Sea Tow, and Mid Sussex Rescue Squad were alerted to assist Rehoboth Beach (86) Volunteer Fire Company with a water rescue incident reported in the vicinity of Herring Landing off of Camp Arrowhead Road.  The incident was identified as a possible drowning off of Herring Landing.

Emergnecy response units from Rehoboth Beach responded to the West Bay Park area and launched as well as requesting Lewes (82) EMS units to assist at this specific location. 

Emergency response units from Indian River included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1 which launched from Massey’s Landing, Brush 80-0 with 80 Marine 2 which launched from Bay City as well as Engine #80-1 staging at Massey's Landing and the Delaware State Fire Police assigned to both launch locations.

All units were given specific assignments which included to prepare for launch and respond to the designated area searching for a maroon pontoon boat with a white fiberglass nearby and off the area of Herring Landing.

The United States Coast Guard responded from the Indian River Inlet area and traversed through Massey’s Ditch to the designated locations. 

Indian River’s 80 Marine 1 launched and was able to quickly locate the designated vessels off the mouth of Massey’s Ditch in the Rehoboth Bay and quickly loaded the patient onboard and reported a male subject, unconscious and not breathing.  Indian River’s 80 Marine 2 launched and met up with 80 Marine 1, transferred one of its crew to assist with patient care and all vessels responded to the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp. The patient was transferred to awaiting emergency medical services for additional care. 

One patient was transported to nearby medical facilities in critical condition.

All responding agencies collaborated with regulatory authorities which included but limited to DNREC - Marine Police, US Coast Guard, Sea Tow, Sussex County Paramedics, Delaware State Police Ground Units, DSP Aviation Unit - Trooper 2.  These agencies are conducting an investigation.

Sea Tow delivered the mariner’s boat to Massey’s Landing for further investigation.

The Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp was closed for the duration of the incident.

Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following websites:

(1)  Cape Gazette - https://www.capegazette.com/article/lewes-man-critically-injured-rehoboth-bay/205836;

(2)  Delaware State Police Newsroom - https://dsp.delaware.gov/2020/07/27/state-police-conducting-investigation-related-to-boating-accident-rehoboth-bay/; 

(3)  WBOC TV - http://www.wboc.com/story/42415625/lewes-man-in-critical-condition-after-boating-accident; and

(4)  WMGD - https://www.wgmd.com/man-taken-to-hospital-in-cardiac-arrest-after-fishing-boat-mishap/.