The U.S. Border Patrol assigned to the Buffalo Station's Marine Unit answered a Coast Guard distress call at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday of two capsized kayaks in the Niagara River.
Two women had launched their kayaks in the Black Rock Channel at the foot of Ferry Street, then got caught up in strong river currents after paddling toward LaSalle Park near the Peace Bridge and capsized. Three witnesses called for help.
One woman had been clinging to a net extended to her by a fisherman and was picked up in the Border Patrol boat. The other woman was rescued by the Buffalo Fire Department.
Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffery Wilson said this portion of the river is "extremely treacherous." Both women were wearing life jackets and apparently suffered only minor injuries.
