UPDATED: Two Rescued After Boat Struck Outer Breakwater Wednesday Night

Just after 11:30 Wednesday night the Lewes Fire Department and multiple other agencies were called for a vessel in distress. Sussex EOC advised a 60-foot sailing vessel struck the outer breakwater in the Delaware Bay with two people on board. Delaware Natural Resources Police Fish and Wildlife officers say the strong winds and sea conditions caused the ships anchors to slip – sending the ship to collide with the breakwater causing damage to the hull – and the boat began taking on water. Both people abandoned the ship and were rescued by a Lewes rescue swimmer. Neither were injured and they were returned to the Lewes Boat Ramp and turned over to DNREC officers. Natural Resources police say the sailboat remains partially submerged in the area of the outer wall – efforts to salvage the vessel are in the planning stages. The boat is currently not a hazard to navigation. The investigation into the incident is continuing.