Saturday July, 22 2023 @ 12:29

Nature: Water Rescue / Watercraft In Distress

Location: 1 mile out of Mariners Cove

Coordinates:  38°38'21 and 75°7'43 Long Neck Shores,

On Saturday afternoon, July 22^nd, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73), Millsboro (83), and Rehoboth Beach (86) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a water rescue incident in the Rehoboth Bay approximately one mile out from Mariner’s Cove in front of the Tunnell Residence.  It was reported to be a marine collision involving two vessels with the possibility of eight (8) patients.  Additional emergency alerts included emergency medical service (EMS) units from Mid Sussex Rescue Squad (91) and Millsboro (83), as well as the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper 2 and the Sussex County Paramedics.  Additional marine unit responses from the United States Coast Guard, DNREC Marine Police units as well

Emergency response units from Indian River included Brush 80 and 80 Marine 2 which launched from the Mariner’s Cove Marina, Engine #80-1 and EMS units originally responded to the Massey’s Landing Public Ramp while the other units responded to the nearest marina for their respective launching. 

Emergency response crew assignments were to move toward this incident location which was reported to be in the Rehoboth Bay area near the entrance to Herring Creek in front of the Tunnell residence.  US Coast Guard, DNREC Marine Police and 80 Marine 2 arrived at the incident location and determined the most appropriate response would be to direct the vessel(s) to the Pot Nets Coveside boat ramp area.  All land base emergency response units were redirected to this Pot Nets Coveside launch area.

It appears that a pontoon boat and v-bottom boat collided causing damage to the pontoon boat and injury to mariners.  Four (4) mariners were on each vessel involved. Upon performing a quick assessment and triage procedures, only two mariners desired additional evaluation by responding EMS personnel and these persons were relocated to the Pot Nets Coveside area. 

The Delaware State Fire Police provided traffic control and limited access to the impacted boat ramp areas.

The United States Coast Guard and DNREC Marine Police are investigating.