Boaters rescued from marsh on Beaufort River

Two people were rescued Saturday afternoon from the Beaufort River after their boat stalled and ran aground in the marsh.

The boaters called for help about 2 p.m. after their engine died in the river off Parris Island and waves began breaking in the boat, said Dick Jennings of Beaufort Water Search and Rescue. It was about 34 degrees on the water, with winds of 25 to 35 mph, Jennings said.

Rescuers found the 14-foot boat washed up on an oyster bank and full of water. The tide had gone out, and the group had to send its airboat to reach the boaters.

They were brought to The Sands at Port Royal, where EMS determined the boaters were not injured or sick.

Rescuers also towed the boat to the Parris Island landing, where the boaters had launched.

Jennings said the rescue was one of the coldest he's seen in years.

"Everyone returned safe," Jennings said. "They were very fortunate people."

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This story was originally published January 24, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Boaters rescued from marsh on Beaufort River ."