The hunters had been in approximately 56-degree water for an estimated 90 minutes, and were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
GUN BARREL CITY, Texas — Two duck hunters were saved from a sinking boat in Cedar Creek Lake.
Gun Barrel City Fire Department (GBFD) responded to a request from Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday at 10:16 a.m. about a duck hunting boat taking water on Cedar Creek Lake near Oak Hill Drive in Seven Points. GBFD launched Rescue Boat 1 and a Tool Fire Rescue Boat to locate the boat and victims following an initial search of the scene.
Crews located the two hunters about 500 yards from Oak Hill Drive. At the time of the rescue, lake conditions included high winds and waves reducing visibility, complicating rescue efforts.
The two hunters were rescued from the water and treated by UT Health EMS and other first responders. The hunters had been in approximately 56-degree water for an estimated 90 minutes, and were transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
No injuries were reported among first responders.
“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,” Gun Barrel City Assistant Fire Chief Jason Raney said. “The conditions on the lake—with high winds and rough water—made this a very dangerous rescue for the personnel aboard Rescue Boat 1.”
This incident remains under investigation by the Texas Game Wardens, who were on scene during the rescue. The Gun Barrel City Police Department also assisted with the water rescue operation.