Sunday May, 17 2026 @ 18:43

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1

Location: 35536 Bayview Lane Rehoboth Shores, DE 19966

On Sunday evening, May 17^th, the Indian River (80), Millsboro (83) and Dagsboro (73) volunteer fire companies were alerted for a priority water rescue incident off Bayview Lane in the Rehoboth Shores development.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper 2, the DNREC – Marine Police, and the United States Coast Guard – Indian River.  It was reported that a person swam out about an hour ago and now is not in view.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Incident Command with 80 Marine 2, Utility 80-8 with 80 Marine 1, and Tanker 80 from the Oak Orchard facility as well as Squad 80 from the Long Neck facility and the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crew assignments included specific launch designated sites for the marine units from Indian River, Millsboro and Dasgboro and to converge to the designated area off the Rehoboth Shores development.  The additional marine and air units responded to the designated area as well.  The EMS resources were staged at the Massey’s Landing Public Boat Ramp.

It appears that a male subject (husband of the caller) with dark hair and a beard went for a swim and was located swimming in the designated area being followed by a pontoon boat.  The swimmer declined any assistance and continued back to the shoreline.

The EMS and aviation units were authorized to return to their respective quarters.  All fire company marine units were authorized to return.

The Delaware State Fire Police secured the necessary ramp locations for the duration of the incident.