Saturday May, 9 2009 @ 18:18:38 Nature: Watercraft in Distress Location: Massey’s Landing Address: 36678 Long Neck Rd Millsboro, DE 19966 On Saturday afternoon, May 9th at approximately 6:18 p.m., the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to assist the Delaware Marine Police – Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers with a watercraft in distress near the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp. Apparently, earlier during the day, when tidal conditions were higher and the winds were constant, an aluminum vessel was fishing northeast of the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp. The windy conditions allowed the vessel to drift further inland via various limited access tributaries. The tidal conditions continued to change towards low tide levels and a severe storm warning was issued with heavy lighting and thunder approaching. The aluminum vessel was not able to operate in such swallow water conditions and the occupants had no manual rowing devices. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control – Marine Police Officers requested the assistance of the fire company to access the vessel via Indian River's flat bottom boat and to transport the vessel occupant's safety to shore. The Indian River Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. responded and launched 80 Marine 1 to perform the assigned function and tasks. The fire company marine vessel approached the stranded vessel and offered transportation to the two patrons of the distressed vessel. Our commanding officer, Joseph Thompson coordinated the incident response and activities for this alarm. Upon returning to our fire station from this assignment, the emergency response personnel encountered a substantial thunder and lightning storm with heavy downpours of rain.