GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - - A Grand Island father and son are hailed as heroes this morning, after saving the lives of two canoeists.

Police say a wind gust caused a canoe carrying 34-year old Brian Mahoney and 36-year old Charles Faraci to capsize Saturday.

The Grand Island family noticed the incident from shore, and rescued Mahoney and Faraci with a rowboat. Authorities say they were in the water for about 25 minutes.

Both victims were transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to be treated for hypothermia.

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GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - - Rescue crews had to help pull two people from the Niagara River this afternoon.

 

Firefighters received the call of two people in the water off of East River Road around noon. By the time they arrived at the scene, a rowboat has already started assisting the individuals.

Authorities say they were in the water for about 20 minutes.

"At this time of the year, it's inadvisable to be in the river because of the cold temperatures and the fact that they were in a canoe which is easy to tip over."

Both victims were transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital for hypothermia.