Boaters rescued on Indian River after boat capsizes

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Two Brevard County boaters were rescued on the Indian River Saturday after windy conditions caused their boat to capsize.

Officials said high winds caused the boat to capsize around noon on the Indian River in Titusville. The boaters treaded water for more than 30 minutes while waiting for rescuers.

"Sometimes it springs up on us, I think today it was pretty obvious it was going to be a little windy there, but people feel they are experienced enough," Titusville Fire Chief Greg Sutton said.

Crews deployed boats into the river and a rescue helicopter watched from above as the boaters were taken back to shore. They were cold and tired, but otherwise uninjured, officials said.

According to fire officials, water rescues can be a race against time to prevent mild hypothermia.

"Even if it appears the water is not cold, it's a matter of how long you're in the water," Sutton said.

The boaters' small green power boat was towed back to shore still upside down. The boaters' names haven't been released.

WFTV