Baldwin County, AL (July 21, 2026) – A two-vessel collision on the Intracoastal Waterway near Wolf Bay on Saturday night claimed the life of one woman and injured several others in Baldwin County. Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash at approximately 8:10 p.m. on July 18.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), 46-year-old Kristin Delaney of Mobile was a passenger aboard a 27-foot 2024 Albury Brothers vessel when it collided with a 23-foot 2013 Key West vessel. Delaney suffered critical injuries and was transported to South Baldwin Hospital, where she later died.
ALEA identified the operator of the Albury Brothers vessel as 49-year-old Drew Delaney of Mobile. Another passenger aboard that vessel, 51-year-old Brooks Delaney of Fairhope, was injured and transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola for treatment. Authorities said eight people, including the operator, were aboard the Albury Brothers vessel.
The Key West vessel was operated by 32-year-old Cameron Neil of Houma, Louisiana, who was also injured and taken to Sacred Heart Hospital. Three passengers aboard that vessel, 25-year-old Talyn Faulkner of Raceland, Louisiana; 28-year-old John Lyle of Houma, Louisiana; and 34-year-old Rayford Reeves of Schriever, Louisiana, also sustained injuries. Eight people, including the operator, were aboard the Key West vessel at the time of the collision.
Officials said everyone who was not injured, along with both vessels, was transported to The Wharf docks in Orange Beach following the incident. ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continues to investigate the cause of the collision.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kristin Delaney and wish all those injured a full recovery.
Why Do Multi-Vessel Collisions Require Long Investigations?
Boat collisions involving multiple vessels require detailed investigations because waterway conditions, navigation decisions, visibility, and vessel speed can all influence how a crash occurs. Marine investigators carefully document the position of each vessel, damage patterns, and environmental conditions at the time of the collision.
Investigators may also review witness statements, onboard electronic navigation data, and compliance with boating regulations to determine the sequence of events. Unlike roadway crashes, waterway investigations can involve additional factors such as channel markings, lighting, current, and operator awareness.
When fatalities or multiple injuries occur, marine patrol investigators conduct a comprehensive review before determining the cause of the collision. Their findings help establish whether any violations or contributing factors played a role in the incident.
