Duck hunters rescued after boat capsizes

BEMIDJI – Four duck hunters were rescued after their boat capsized Monday evening on Three Island Lake north of Bemidji.

According to a press release from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, the boat capsized about 200 yards from shore near the Wood Haven Resort in Port Hope Township. They were floundering in the water near their boat in 10 to 12 feet of water.

The resort owner and a bystander launched a boat in an attempt to rescue the hunters. Sheriff’s deputies, the Bemidji Fire Department, Minnesota State Patrol, first responders and Bemidji Ambulance Service responded to the scene.

Witnesses said the hunters had floatation devices but were not wearing them at the time of the accident, according to the press release. EMS personnel treated the hunters for exposure, but they are expected to fully recover.

They were released from the scene, according to the sheriff’s blotter.