Coast Guard rescues two duck hunters from stranded john boat [video]

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two stranded men early Sunday morning from a Salem County marsh.

The two were duck hunting when their 16-foot john boat, a vessel that is typically used for hunting on the water, became disabled about four miles north of Salem, authorities said. 

After receiving a notification from a county 911 operator, Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew at 1:35 a.m. Sunday to assist, according to an agency release. 

Authorities said the tide was heading toward low and water in the marsh was being blown out by winds, making land rescue efforts of the men who were hunting all day off Mannington Meadows difficult, NJ.com reported. 

The men were then hoisted from the tidal marsh around 2 a.m. and transported to New Castle Airport in New Castle, Delaware.

There were no injuries or pollution reported, the Coast Guard release said. 

“Thankfully, the two men were wearing the proper personal protective equipment and were able to contact 911 by using their cell phone,” said Lt. Nate Gruver, the pilot on the case. “Also, the Delaware State Police and our partner agencies played an integral role in locating the two men. There was great coordination from all parties involved.”