Saturday June, 26 2021 @ 13:18

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: 38 36'49 and 75 6'31

On Saturday afternoon, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73), Millsboro (83) fire companies and the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad were alerted for a priority water rescue incident off Pot Nets Seaside.  It was reported to be two flare sightings from a blue pontoon boat with possibly four (4) persons on board.

Emergency units from Indian River included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 2 from the Oak Orchard facility, Brush 80-0 with 80 Marine 1 and Engine #80-1 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  These units launched from the Massey’s Landing Boat Ramp while 83 Marine1 (Millsboro) launched from the Gull Point Boat Ramp and 73 Marine 1 (Dagsboro) launched from the Vines Creek Boat Ramp.  The EMS counterparts positioned their unit off White House Beach to offer visual support. DNREC Fish & Wildlife Officials were also present with their marine unit for assistance.

Emergency response crew assignments included a coordinated search effort for a blue pontoon boat with four persons on boat moving in a westward direction from Pot Nets Seaside towards Pot Nets Bayside at a very slow sleep. 

All marine units participated in the search while checking all blue pontoon boats during the rain showers with no avail.  Marine units searched from Massey’s Landing to Gull Point via the northern shores of the Indian River Bay while Dagsboro coordinated an evaluation from the southern shores of the Indian River Bay. 

Before final departure, marine units were provided direction for searching from Indian River Inlet back to their respective launch sites with not avail for the boat in distress.  As a result of the raining conditions there was minimal pontoon boat traffic on the bay.