Two men were rescued by Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s deputies early Friday morning when their boat got stuck in the mud flats of the Elk River estuary, according to a Sheriff’s Office statement.

A 55-year-old Westport man and a 43-year-old Aberdeen man were fishing when the boat got stuck as the two were making their way out of the river channel at about 5 p.m. Thursday. The falling tide thwarted their attempts to dislodge the boat, leaving the two men wet and muddy. They decided to wait for the tide to come back in to free the boat, but as night fell and temperatures dropped they feared getting hypothermia and called for help.

According to the statement, the Coast Guard responded first but was unable to reach the men in the shallow inland waters, about a mile southeast of the Elk River Bridge.

The Sheriff’s Office Marine Services Unit launched its 16-foot jet sled, which they use for situations like this. When they located the men they were cold and shivering but in satisfactory condition, according to the statement. The tide had now risen enough to free the stuck boat; deputies assisted the fisherman back to the boat launch with the lights from the patrol boat.

The Sheriff’s Office recommends that when enjoying the outdoors wear clothing that adapts to ever-changing weather conditions. Have enough clothing you can spend the night outside in an emergency. It’s also recommended you bring supplies such as food, water, emergency blankets and supplies to start a fire if needed. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.