Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102
Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Three men charged in connection with Nov. 3 boating accident

LEWES (Nov. 8, 2010) – DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents on Nov. 3 arrested three men in connection with a boating accident near the Lewes Boat Ramp.

Investigation by the Fish and Wildlife agents indicated that the three men had been fishing out of an 18-foot boat near Roosevelt Inlet and decided to move closer to the Coast Guard Station, causing the vessel to collide with the Lewes Fire Boat docked at the station.

The operator, Jeffrey D. Thomas, age 45, of Kitts Hummock, was arrested and charged with one count of allowing the use of a non-compliant vessel and one count of failing to display navigation lights. Mujahid A, Faruq, age 46, of Lewes, was arrested and charged with one count of negligent operation of a vessel resulting in collision. Richard E. Willey, age 46, of Lincoln, was arrested and charged with one count of non-compliant careless operation of a vessel. All three men were issued citations.

No injuries were reported. Damages resulting from the collision are estimated at $7,000 for Thomas’s boat and $2,000 for the Lewes Fire Boat.

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

 Vol. 40, No. 380