Friday January, 25 2019 @ 23:57

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: Gull Point & Oak Orchard Area

Address:  28599 Rosedale Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966

 

On Friday evening, January 25^th, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (80), and Dagsboro (73) fire companies along with the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper #2), and Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control (DNREC) – Marine Police were alerted for water rescue in order to search for two overdue mariners on jet skis.  Additional resources from the United States Coast Guard included two additional vessels and an aviation unit from Atlantic City, New Jersey.  At the time of this emergency dispatch the evening temperature was 29 degrees.

Additional relevant information included the following points:

(1)    Two jet skis – one red and black in color and the other white and yellow in color;

(2)    Previous communications between 5:30 p. – 6:30 p. indicated that they were near a bridge on or near a marshy area and potential sandbar;

(3)    Last Verizon cellular phone pings placed the mariners near Vines Creek Area;

(4)    Jet skis were launched earlier in the day from the Gull Point Marina.

A DNREC – Marine Police unit via a duck boat searched from Millsboro (Cupola Park) to or near the Power Plant while the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit searched the shores from the Power Plant to the Indian River Inlet and then was redirected to focus on the Dagsboro – Millsboro area.  The Delaware State Police Aviation Unit was able to locate the mariners under tow in the Point View Road area.  It appeared taht one vessel was disabled and the other vessel was attempting to return both vessels and the two people.

Emergency response crews responded to the following launch points:

(1)    Indian River 80 Marine 1, Dagsboro 73 Marine 1, and Millsboro 83 Marine 1, responded to the Gull Point Marina along with 80 Command;

(2)    Indian River 80 Marine 2 along with Utility 80-11, and Engine #80-1 responded to the Massey’s Landing Boat Ramp area; and

(3)    DNREC – Marine Police launched from the Cupola Park area.

After locating the missing vessels, DNREC Marine Police aided with the tow and returning the mariners to the Gull Point Marina.  

All responding emergency apparatus was able to return to quarters.