Lewes- The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation related to a boating accident that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred on May 19, 2019, at approximately 3:49 p.m. when units were dispatched to the Angola Beach Marina located within the Angola Beach Mobile Home Park, Lewes, in reference to a death investigation related to a boating accident.

The investigation revealed that at approximately 10:00 a.m., two friends were traveling in a 16’ aluminum Jon boat.  While traveling in the Bay, returning from the area of the Inlet, their 16’ boat was capsized by the suspected combination of choppy seas and wake from two passing boats.  As a result, the two passengers were ejected from the boat into the Bay.  They were both able to obtain life vest and hold on to the partially submerged vessel.

It was reported that after being in the water for some time, one of the passengers lost consciousness for unknown reasons.  A passing boat observed the two in distress and was able to transport them to the Angola Beach Marina.

The victim, a 73-year-old male from Laurel was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin and extended family.  The Delaware Division of Forensic Science was contacted to remove the victim and to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 052019 1306

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