Sunday May, 15 2022 @ 14:19

Nature: Watercraft In Distress

Location: OFF POTNETS SEASIDE

Cross Streets:  Long Neck Rd and Landing Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

On Sunday May 15^th, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73), and Millsboro (83) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a water rescue incident involving a watercraft in distress with injuries.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 2), the United States Coast Guard – Indian River Squadron, the Delaware DNREC Marine Police, and the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1, Brush 80-0 with 80 Marine 2, Engine #80-1 as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crew assignments included launching Indian River’s marine units at Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp and navigating all marine units to the designated location of the distressed vessel which was off Pot Nets Seaside – Sandpiper Drive approximately a half-mile from shore stuck on a sandbar.  The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper 2 was hovering over the distressed vessel while 80 Marine 2 and 80 Marine 1 traveled from the launch point to the incident location.  80 Marine 2 was occupied by the boat crew and an Emergency Medical Technician while 80 Marine 1 was occupied by the boat crew and a Sussex County Paramedic.  Both marine units arrived in the area and landed on the sandbar making access to the injured mariner.  The injured mariner was located and loaded unto 80 Marine 1 for transport to Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp for awaiting EMS units for transport to nearby medical facilities.  DNREC Marine Police and 80 Marine 2 assisted securing the distressed vessel and transported all other mariners to the public boat ramp. All other emergency marine units were authorized to return to their respective launch locations.

It appears that a pontoon boat was in the Indian River Bay located on a sandbar with multiple subjects on board when one mariner was attempting to push the boat off the sandbar and came in contact with the propeller causing a significant leg injury.   

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated the closure and clearance of the Massey’s Landing Public Ramp area.

The DNREC Marine Police are investigating.