Vol. 40, No. 308

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Milford man charged in weekend boating accident

DOVER (Sept. 7, 2010) – A Milford man was charged with negligent operation of a vessel and failure to maintain a proper lookout after the boat he was operating struck a navigational aid between Bowers Beach and Cedar Creek on Saturday morning, Sept. 4.

According to DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents, Kenneth G. Blakely, age 30, of 102 Causey Avenue, Milford, was operating a 21-foot Carolina skiff when he turned hard to port in an attempt to avoid a dayboard that he suddenly observed in front of the boat.

The vessel’s starboard bow struck the piling base of the navigational aid. The operator and three passengers were ejected from the boat, which continued running, turning left hand circles across the bay until it ran out of gas. It was recovered by fishermen on Sunday, Sept. 5 in the Delaware River shipping channel.

The operator and all passengers were pulled from the water by local fire company volunteers who also responded to the incident. No injuries were reported. 

Mr. Blakely was issued a citation and fined for the two charges related to the incident.

 For further information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-739-9913.