Thursday July, 9 2026 @ 06:12

Nature: Water Rescue Priority 1 / Vehicle Accident – John J. Williams Highway @ Baywoods

Location: John J Williams Hwy and Heritage Lane, 19966

On Thursday morning, July 9^th, the Indian River (80), Dagsboro (73) and Millsboro (83) fire companies were alerted for a water rescue incident on John J. Williams Highway and Baywoods.  Additional emergency alerts included the Sussex County Paramedics, the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, and the Delaware State Police Aviation Unit – Trooper #2.  It was reported to be a vehicle driving in the golf area of Baywood, hit a tree and went into the pond.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Rescue 80 from the Oak Orchard facility, Squad 80 and Deputy 80 from the Long Neck area as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.   Emergency response units from Dagsboro and Millsboro for the water rescue assist were cancelled.

Emergency response crew assignments included vehicle stabilization, patient stabilization where applicable, traffic control, preparation for extrication with tree removal, securing vehicle from additional movement; extrication (removal) of occupant from vehicle as well as debris recovery and other incident mitigation endeavors.

Stabilizing a vehicle submerged or floating in a golf course pond requires hazard assessment and water rescue protocols. To secure the vehicle, prioritize tethering it to a solid land anchor, establish a safe working perimeter on the banks, and ensure rescue personnel wear water personal protective equipment (PPE) are paramount to recovery effort.

It appears that a vehicle was traveling east on John J. Williams Highway left the roadway for an unknown reason, running through bushes and vegetation, hitting a tree before going into the pond.  The aviation unit did respond and landed near the incident scene before being cancelled.  There was one person transportation to nearby medical facilities.

The Delaware State Fire Police coordinated traffic control for the duration of the incident.

Coastal Towing was utilized to remove the vehicle from the pond.

The Delaware State Police are investigating.