Boating accident in Lewes claims life of Laurel man

LEWES, Del. – Delaware State Police are conducting a death investigation related to a boating accident that happened Sunday afternoon in Lewes.

Troopers were dispatched to the Angola Beach Marina inside the Angola Beach Mobile Home Park shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday. Investigation revealed at around 10 a.m. that day, two friends were traveling in a 16′ aluminum Jon boat that was capsized by the suspected combination of choppy seas and wake from two passing boats. As a result, both passengers were ejected from the boat into the Bay. Both were able to utilize life vests and hold on to the partially submerged boat.

After being in the water for some time, one of the passengers reportedly lost consciousness for unknown reasons. A passing boat saw the two passengers and transported them to the Angola Beach Marina.

A 73-year-old male victim from Laurel was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Delaware Division of Science will conduct an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.