On the above date and time kentcom request units to respond to the area of channel marker 67 up the Indian River bay near the town of Millsboro for an abandoned vessel.  Kentcom advised that it appears to be a yellow jet ski tied to a dock near channel marker 67.  Due to the lack of water in the area units were unable to respond by vessel and had to respond by patrol vehicle.  Upon arrival contact was made with the RP where units located the jet ski which was located half submerged tied to a dock piling near channel marker 67.  The jet ski was not in the channel and did not pose a threat to navigation in the area. Units were able to locate a registration, a cjis inquiry resulted in being registered to Operator. Attempts were made to contact Operator with no results.  A voice mail was left requesting contact. 

On 07/16/2023 contact was made with Operator regarding the jet ski.  Operator advised that he was operating the jet ski along with a group of other jet skiers when he struck a mud flat which caused the engine to stop and start to smoke.  Operator then advised that the ski started to sink so he tied the ski to the dock piling near channel marker 67.  Operator stated that he was able to get on another jet ski and they returned to Masseys Landing where they launched from.  Operator advised that he contacted Sea Tow this morning and stated that due to the weather that they would recover the jet ski on the morning of 07/17/2023.  He also stated that he contacted the Coast Guard to report the incident.  He advised that Coast Guard would contact DNREC Fish and Wildlife units.  Units advised Operator to contact DNREC units as soon as possible in the future.  See Report Beam for accident report due to the grounding and submersion of the jet ski.  BWC activated.
Indian River
Millsboro                     