Charles firefighters rescued during their own rescue mission

Maryland State Police have rescued two Charles County firefighters whose boat lost power in the Potomac River.

Police say helicopters were dispatched Monday afternoon to rescue two people whose canoe had overturned near Sweden Point. Those people made it to shore safely before the state police aircraft arrived.

But then a report came in about a fire department rescue boat, which also was responding to the canoe incident, that had lost power and was taking on water. There were large chunks of ice in the river and below-freezing air temperatures.

One of the helicopters hoisted the firefighters in a basket. Officials say the firefighters were in good condition because of their cold weather suits, which were covered with ice, and the quick rescue.

-- Associated Press