On Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 11:45 pm, Delaware City and Port Penn Fire Companies along with Rescue Boats from Delaware City, Port Penn, and Goodwill, the New Castle County Surface Water Rescue Team, New Castle County Dive Team, Delaware State Police Aviation, and New Castle Paramedics were dispatched to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal in the area of the Reedy Point Bridge for a sinking vehicle with entrapment.  Fire department personnel arrived to find a vehicle completely submerged in the canal with a debris field present.  Rescue swimmers entered the water but were unable to access the vehicle due to the depth.  The vehicle’s location was confirmed with sonar from Fireboat 15 at a depth of approximately 12 feet and once dive team personnel arrived, rescue divers were deployed.  Battling near-zero visibility and a strong current, the divers located the vehicle and removed a single occupant.  The occupant was brought to shore where EMTs and Paramedics attempted lifesaving interventions.  Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the patient was eventually pronounced deceased on scene.  The United States Coast Guard also responded to the incident.  Delaware State Police are investigating the incident and Port Penn Fire Chief John Newman had Delaware City Command.

DSP Press Release:

https://dsp.delaware.gov/2024/02/12/state-police-investigating-single-vehicle-fatal-crash-into-c-d-canal/?fbclid=IwAR0t_A2zDUMvsw9gab2_jzcve-0y3aLGm-ek1fUu7ZNHeBzihS1EU40FbhE

Contact:

Jeff Sands, Assistant Chief

Delaware City Fire Company

jsands@dcfc15.com (781)249-5517