Jetboaters rescued from frigid waters after boat capsizes near Prince Rupert
Pair is 'extremely fortunate': Prince Rupert Port Authority
Two young adults are safe after falling into frigid waters near Prince Rupert Sunday afternoon.
The pair were riding a jetboat when the incident occurred at 3:47 p.m. PT, said Michael Gurney with the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
"They were transiting Fern Passage close to the Butze Rapids northeast of Prince Rupert," said Gurney.
"Fortunately, the Port Patrol Boat the MV Charles Hayes was on scene," he said.
He said the patrol saw the incident and was able to spring into action.
Dangerously cold waters
Prince Rupert was under an Arctic outflow warning when the incident occurred, making the waters particularly dangerous.
"Individuals who fall into the water in this cold will basically become immobilized in a few minutes so it's extremely fortunate that the crew — that Port Authority patrol boat — was on hand," said Gurney.
"There was little chance the individuals would be able to swim to shore."
Gurney said the pair hit a wave and were in the water for ten minutes before being rescued with mild hypothermia. They were wearing life jackets at the time.
They were taken to the waterfront where friends and family came to meet them — and the pair were given warm clothes.
The boat has not been recovered.