Sunday September, 22 2024 @ 18:04

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: River Rd and Oak Orchard Rd Millsboro, DE

On Sunday, September 22^nd, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73), and Millsboro (83) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a priority water rescue incident near the former White Caps Restaurant in Oak Orchard.  It was reported to be an overturned vessel with debris floating in the water nearby.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, the United States Coast Guard – Indian River Inlet Squad, the DNREC Marine Police, and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit.

Emergency response units included Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1, Rescue 80 and Chief 80-15 from the Oak Orchard facility and Brush 80-0 with 80 Marine 2 and Engine #80-1 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police. All Indian River Marine Units responded to the Gull Point Boat Ramp for launching and Engine #80-1 responded to the Oak Orchard area.

Emergency response crew assignments included launching and traveling to the area of the floating vessel, retrieving the floating debris, and identifying that the vessel was tied to a obsolete pier and floating upside down.  Contact was made with the United States Coast Guard – Indian River Squad response unit as well as DNREC Marine Police.

It appears that the vessel was tied up earlier with the occupants departing on pontoon type boat.  The pending weather and tidal conditions were not favorable to the vessel which overturned.  There did not appear to be any occupants in the water and discussion with the neighbors yielded verification that the occupants departed previously.

All emergency response units were cancelled with all launched vessels being authorized to return to their respective launch points and station quarters.

The DNREC Marine Police are investigating.