Hunters rescued in Shinnecock Bay

Two duck hunters who had waded off shore only to get stranded in the frigid waters of Shinnecock Bay during heavy fog had to be rescued Saturday by the U.S. Coast Guard, officials said.

The identities of the two men were not released.

A Coast Guard spokeswoman said the rescue took place at 12:45 p.m. Saturday. The water temperature at the time was 47 degrees, Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer 1st Class Sondra-Kay D. Rivera said.

According to the Coast Guard, the two hunters waded into the bay, but lost their bearings in dense fog. A chief from the Southampton Fire Department, who was on shore, heard the men calling for help -- and notified the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard launched a 25-foot rescue boat to locate the men. Coast Guard Seaman Joshua Smarzo and Petty Officer 2nd Class David Lopuszanski made the rescue, and the two hunters were taken to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia and shock, Rivera said Monday.

The fog caused visibility to be less than 100 yards, officials said, causing the men to become disoriented when the tide came in, stranding them.

"The quick response of the rescue crews saved these two men's lives," Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Fusco of Coast Guard Station Shinnecock said in a statement Monday, adding: "It's important to be aware of weather and water temperature while conducting any water activities, and always take the necessary safety precautions."