DES MOINES, Iowa — Boaters were rescued from the Raccoon River Monday afternoon after experiencing mechanical issues.

At around 4:30 p.m. personnel from the Des Moines Fire Department and other agencies responded to a Raccoon River boat ramp near the Raccoon Valley Little League in Des Moines for a report of a disabled boat. According to DMFD Special Operations Captain Obie Meyers, a boat experienced motor malfunctions and was stuck up against a bridge with debris, a situation that Meyers said can be very dangerous.

“They were up against a bridge that had debris, which can be very dangerous because when the water hits that debris it causes an undercurrent, so it’s a very dangerous place to be in.”

Despite the dangerous location and the rushing river, Meyers said rescue crews were able to safely get the boaters back to shore. Crews were also able to tow the boat back to the ramp and out of the river.

Authorities are reminding those boating in Iowa’s rivers and lakes to wear a life jacket, check boat motors before getting on the water, bring your cellphone, and have a plan if something were to go wrong.