Monday July, 23 2012 @ 21:14:08

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1 – Overdue Jet Skiers

Address: Indian River Marina Millsboro, 19966

On Monday, July 23rd, the Indian River (80), Rehoboth Beach (86), and Bethany Beach (70) volunteer fire companies as well as the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 2) were alerted for a water rescue priority near the Indian River Marina.

Emergency response units included Indian River’s Marine Units 80 Marine 1 and 80 Marine 2; Indian River’s Incident Command, Rescue 80 and Engine #80-5 as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

All of Indian River’s units were to prepare for launching at Massey’s Landing with specific assignments and grid patterns to search. The other responding entities were provided specific assignments which included:

• Indian River’s 80 Marine 2 was assigned to coordinate a search pattern in the Rehoboth Bay;

• Indian River’s 80 Marine 1 was assigned to coordinate a search pattern near the Indian River Marina;

• Bethany Beach 70 Marine Unit was assigned to coordinate a search pattern from White’s Creek;

• Rehoboth Beach was coordinating the Incident Command tasks, duties and assignments;

• DNREC – Marine Police were assisting with efforts;

• Delaware State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 2) was providing assistance as well.

It was reported that we were searching for two overdue jet skiers that left a Rehoboth Bay boat ramp at approximately 15:30 hours and have not returned as of 21:48 hours. Their reported path of travel was Indian River Marina off the Indian River Inlet and the Rehoboth Bay boat ramp.

Initially, numerous cellular phone calls were unsuccessful.

All units were assigned to coordinate tasks, duties, and actions via radio communications channel Sussex Mutual Aid 2 and it was shortly into the incident that confirmation was received that the mariners were near the Country Club awaiting pick up via personal ground units.

All units were returned while the Delaware Department of Natural Resources Environmental Control Marine Police coordinated closure and documentation for the incident.

All mariners were returned safe and unharmed.