Boaters found safe in New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Two boaters are safe after being rescued Friday near Manatee Park in New Smyrna Beach.

Crews from the Coast Guard Station Ponce Inlet found 20-year-old Caleb Kraft and 25-year-old David Butts standing on concrete pilings under the South Causeway Bridge just after 8:00 a.m.

The U.S. Coast Guard says Butts contacted watchstanders via cellular device stating that the canoe capsized and they were in need of assistance. They then dispatched a rescue crew and were able to locate them immediately.

"When we arrived on scene, the canoe had already been taken by the 25-knot winds," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard Rivas, the coxswain of the RBM. "Boaters and swimmers need to check weather conditions before they decide to go on the water . There is already a small craft advisory in effect and the storm is only getting worse."

The boaters were taken to Manatee Park with no reported injuries. The Coast Guard tells Action News only one of the boaters was wearing a life jacket.