An angler from Delaware is in critical condition after nearly drowning in Rehoboth Bay Sunday evening, according to Delaware State Police.
Police say the 57-year-old man from Lewes, Delaware was fishing with his wife aboard their 19-foot Trophy boat. When they were getting ready to head back to the dock, the man discovered his fishing line was tangled at the stern of the boat, and jumped in the water to untangle it.
“After jumping in the water, the victim discovered the water was deeper than anticipated, and the current was strong. The victim had difficulty swimming, and the current was pulling him in the opposite direction of the boat,” police say.
Good samaritans on a passing boat saw the angler in distress and jumped in to pull him from the water onto their boat. Indian River Fire Company arrived and brought the man to Massey’s Landing, between Rehoboth Bay and Indian River, around 6:30 p.m.
The large emergency response also included a Delaware State Police helicopter, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the U.S. Coast Guard, Sea Tow, and four other local fire/EMS agencies.
State police are investigating the accident and have not yet released the man’s identity.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
