Wednesday February, 2 2022 @ 20:00

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 2

Location: Bouy 11

Coordinates:  38°37'23 and 75°5'25

On Wednesday evening, February 2^nd, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a water rescue incident off Baker’s Channel for a watercraft in distress.  It was reported that two mariners in distress near bouy 11 (marker) off Baker’s Channel.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1 and Utility 80-11 with 80 Marine 2 as well as the Delaware State Fire Police responded to Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp.

Emergency response crews launched with 80 Marine 1 from Massey’s Landing towards the designated location as did the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control Marine Police Unit.

All crews encountered heavy dense fog with practically zero visibility, lower tides conditions at the onset, and relied heavy on electronic navigational devices for assistance.  The mariners apparently ran aground earlier in the day and awaited for tidal conditions changes with the incoming tide (due at approximately 21:30 hours) however, darkness along with the heavy dense fog and no visibility made navigating without any electronic navigational devices extremely limited.  The mariners positioned themselves near channel marker 11 and requested assistance.

The Marine Police units successfully retrieved the distress mariners and delivered them safely to Massey’s Landing for dispatching back to their respective launch locations.  Their marine unit was left tied at the incident location.

All emergency response units were returned to quarters.