Friday September, 19 2025 @ 18:41

Nature: Marine Fire

Location: Masseys Landing Boat Ramp (80)

Address:  36624 Long Neck Rd Millsboro, DE 19966

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a
marine fire with the following information:

• Incident details: Boat on fire

• Location: In Massey’s Ditch somewhere was the report provided emergency dispatchers.

Emergency response units from Indian River include Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1 from the Oak Orchard facility, Incident Command 80, Brush 80 with 80 Marine 2 and Squad 80 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.  Additional emergency notifications included the United States Coast Guard – Indian River and the DNREC Marine Police

Emergency response crews launched from the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp and was able to locate a vessel that run aground near the entrance of Massey’s Landing in the vicinity of Burton’s Island.

• Outcome: While no injuries were reported, one vessel has run aground and overheated their motor while attempting to extract themselves from the area. TowBoatUS was utilized to assist with the extrication efforts and delivery the mariners back to a designated point.

To mitigate a vessel that has run aground, first stop the engine and assess for damage, injuries, and tidal movement. The best strategy for refloating depends on the severity of the grounding and the conditions, but generally includes shifting weight, pushing off, kedging, or waiting for a higher tide. If the situation is unsafe or these methods fail, call for professional assistance.

Initial assessment and safety measures

• Cut the engine immediately. Shut off all engines and generators to prevent damage to the propeller and running gear from churning sand. For outboard or inboard/outboard engines, trim or tilt them up out of the water.

• Ensure everyone is safe. Check for injuries among passengers and administer first aid if needed. If anyone is in distress, call for help right away.

• Inspect the vessel for damage. Examine the hull or pontoons for any leaks, cracks, or punctures, especially near through-hull fittings. Check the bilge for any incoming water. If a serious leak is found, prepare bilge pumps and put on life jackets.

• Check the tide. Determine if the tide is rising or falling. If it is rising, waiting for the water to lift your boat naturally is often the simplest and safest option. If the tide is falling, the boat may be stuck for hours.

Refloating methods for minor groundings

For a soft grounding with minimal or no damage, you can try these manual methods:

• Shift weight. Move passengers and heavy gear to the area farthest from where the boat is stuck. For example, if the bow is grounded, move weight toward the stern to help lift the bow.

• Rock the boat. Shift weight from side to side to loosen the sand around the hull.

• Push off. Use a boat hook, pole, or oar to push the vessel off the sandbar. If the water is shallow enough and the bottom is soft, passengers can carefully get out and push the boat while wearing life jackets.

• Reverse with care. After trimming the outdrive, try putting the engine in slow reverse. Avoid revving the engine, which can dig the boat deeper into the sand.

Advanced refloating methods

If manual methods are unsuccessful, or for more severe groundings, consider these techniques:

• Kedge anchor. Use a secondary anchor to pull the vessel into deeper water.

• Deploy a small anchor in the direction of deeper water, carrying it out with a dinghy or by walking it out if possible.

• Use a winch or manually pull on the anchor line. Combine this with gentle engine power and rocking to help pull the boat free.

• Heeling the vessel. If your vessel is a sailboat, you can use a halyard (a rope used to hoist sails) and a kedge anchor to intentionally heel the boat (tilt it to one side). This reduces the draft and allows the keel to lift off the sand.

• Wait for high tide. If the tide is rising, anchoring the vessel to prevent it from moving further aground and waiting for the tide to lift it may be the best option. Secure protective padding if the boat is on uneven ground and at risk of damage.

Call for professional help

If you are unable to free your boat using the methods above, or if you suspect significant damage, call for professional assistance.

Coast Guard or commercial towing. Contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or a commercial service like Sea Tow or BoatUS.