Two men in their 50s were rescued Thursday afternoon when their boat ran aground in the middle of the Willamette River, but the vessel still remains stranded, stuck in the river’s bottom in shallow water, officials reported.

Salem Fire Department water rescue team member swims to the boat stranded in the Willamette River - SFD photo

Four members of the Salem Fire Department’s water rescue team were dispatched to the scene in response to a call for help about 3:10 p.m., June 21, but were unable to reach the vessel due to shallow water.

According to a news release, Firefighter Chad Cook swam to the stranded men, but the boat’s hull had dug so deep into the river bottom that the boat was unable to be moved.

The stranded boaters were assisted to shore and brought back to the dock.  One of the men was treated for difficulty with breathing, but did not require transport to a medical facility, officials said.