Two duck hunters were pulled from the frigid waters of Cedar Creek Lake on Saturday after their boat sank, leaving them treading water for about 90 minutes amid high winds and choppy waves.
The men were found roughly 500 yards from shore near Oak Hill Drive in water measuring around 56 degrees, according to the Gun Barrel City Fire Department.
The department responded at 10:16 a.m. following a report from Henderson County Sheriff’s Office dispatch about a boat taking on water. Seven Points Fire Department conducted an initial shoreline and lake search but found nothing due to poor visibility caused by the rough conditions.
A joint rescue effort followed, with Gun Barrel City launching Rescue Boat 1 and Tool Fire Rescue providing backup. Crews focused on the area north of the State Highway 334 bridges between Gun Barrel City and Seven Points.
Rescue Boat 1 located the two adult males, who were brought back to a command post at Tom Finley Park. Waiting for them were first responders from UT Health EMS, who transferred them to UT Health East Texas – Cedar Creek for evaluation.
No rescuers were hurt in the operation, which also involved assistance from the Gun Barrel City Police Department.
“I am very proud of how all of the agencies worked together today to rescue the duck hunters and safely return them to their families. The conditions on the lake, with high winds and rough water, made this a very dangerous rescue for the personnel aboard Rescue Boat 1,” said Gun Barrel City Assistant Fire Chief Jason Raney.
Texas Game Wardens, who were on site during the rescue, are investigating.