Thursday July, 18 2024 @ 23:21

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: VFW (84)

Address:  Marshy Hope Way and Cedar Neck Rd Ocean View, DE 19970

On Thursday evening, July 18th, Indian River (80), Bethany Beach (70), Dagsboro (73), and Millsboro (80) fire companies were alerted to assist the Millville (84) Fire Company with a water rescue incident in the Bethany Bay area near the VFW.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the DNREC Fish & Wildlife Marine Police, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) – Indian River Inlet and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper 2.  It was reported to be an inflatable raft washed ashore and the USCG wanted someone to check it out because their smaller marine craft could not access the area. 

Emergency response units from Indian River included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1 from the Oak Orchard facility, 80 Brush with 80 Marine 2 and Engine #80-1 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  All responding marine units  from all entities were assigned tasks for assisting with the search process.

Emergency response units responded to the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp for launching to navigate toward the assigned grid coordinates between Paradise Grill and the Indian River Inlet for searching.  The Delaware State Fire Police assigned to Indian River coordinated access for the public boat ramp during the incident.

80 Marine 1 did arrive in the area commencing with its grid assignment before being cancelled as owner was located at his residence.

All marine units were cleared to return to their designated quarters.