Thursday July, 24 2025 @ 14:40

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: James Farm Preserve (84)

30048 Cedar Neck Rd Ocean View, DE 19970

On Thursday afternoon, July 24^th, the Indian River (80), Bethany Beach (70), and Dagsboro (73) fire companies were alerted to assist the Millville (84) Fire Company with a water rescue incident near the James Farm Preserve off Cedar Neck Road.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the United States Coard Guard – Indian River Inlet Squadron, DNREC Marine Police and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit - Trooper 2.  It was reported that three girls left the area of the Preserve on paddle boards and should have returned but they have not. 

Additional information was identified as three (3) girls – two 19 years of age and one 14 years of age -- two (2) have life jackets and one (1) does not and they are on paddle boards or Ecobay kayaks (blue and white in color).  Description of girls:  1 girl dark skin, royal blue two-piece bathing suit; 1 girl has light blue vest and bradded hair with stripped cotton shorts; and 1 girl has red and white stripped two-piece bathing suit – they have two boards with two girls on one board and one girl on the other board.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Brush 80 and 80 Marine 2 from the Long Neck facility and Utility 808 with 80 Marine 1 from the Oak Orchard facility.  Indian River marine units were launched from the Massey’s Landing Public Ramp.  Dagsboro marine unit launched from the Holts Landing Public Ramp.  All units were traveling to the designed are near the James Farm Preserve. 

Indian River’s 80 Marine 2 was enroute to the designated area and came upon the girls, all safe but just could not make their way back to the James Farm Preserve.  Based upon the low tide conditions, 80 Marine 2 transported the mariners to the Holts Landing Boat Ramp to awaiting EMS personnel,

All marine units were authorized to return to their respective quarters.