11 people rescued after their canoes became swamped on Saco River

Eleven people were rescued Monday afternoon after their canoes were swamped on the swollen Saco River.

The group was traveling down a remote stretch of the Saco River in Fryeburg about 4:30 p.m. when their boats became swamped and they ended up in the water, according to the Fryeburg Fire Department.

The river was swollen from Sunday’s heavy rain, with as much as 4 inches falling in nearby Porter. That created a strong current carrying substantial debris.

Rescuers moved quickly to the Saco River and were able to pull all 11 people aboard a raft and carry them to shore, the fire department said Monday night.

None of the group members suffered serious injuries.

“This incident could have had a very different outcome. We remind everyone that the river remains high, please check conditions prior to departing on your trip, life jackets save lives,” the fire department said.