Friday August, 9 2013 @ 18:44:58

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Address: 35820 - 35881 Bayview Dr., Millsboro, DE 19966

On Friday, August 9th, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73), and Millsboro (83) fire companies were alerted for a water rescue incident in the Rehoboth Bay off of Bay City. It was reported that a kayaker was about a mile offshore and could not return. The United States Coast Guard - Indian River ; Sussex County Paramedic; and the Delaware State Police Aviation Units were also alerted.

Emergency response units included Brush #80-0 with 80 Marine 2 and Engine #80-5 from the Long Neck facility, as well as Utility 80-08 with 80 Marine 1 and Incident Command from the Oak Orchard facility.

80 Marine 2 was requested to respond to Bay City Marina for launching while all other units responded to the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp for launching.

Initial incident reported identified that aviation units were down due to weather and that a kayaker was offshore and needed assistance. The kayaker was able to make land on a island in the bay; however, assistance was needed.

Indian River Incident Command was notified of the situation status and downgraded the mutual aid companies due to pending weather conditions.

80 Marine 2 made contact with the kayaker and provided assistance from the island beach back to Bay City Marina. 80 Marine 1 did maintain a visual contact with kayaker and 80 Marine 2 during the incident response and recovery.

The kayaker and kayak were returned to shore unharmed.

All units were permitted to return to quarters and as the marine units were taken out of the water the pending thunderstorms arrived.