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GASTON – Four individuals ranging in age 17-to-25 were rescued near here Saturday night after their aluminum boat capsized in the Roanoke River.

According to Assistant Chief Eddie Porter II, units with Gaston Fire-Rescue-EMS were dispatched at 10:22 p.m. to an area of the river near the Gaston Bridge in reference to four subjects in the water.

Upon arrival, two swift water rescue teams were deployed with two boats. Units searched the area and quickly located four victims who were clinging to their capsized boat. The small aluminum boat was found pinned against a bridge pillar.

Throw bags were deployed and the victims were hoisted into a rescue boat. All four victims were safely taken to shore where they denied medical assessment.

The incident was called in by boaters who heard the victims pleading for help.

The victims involved were native to Margarettsville in Northampton County and included a 17 year-old female, a 21 year-old male, a 25 year-old female, and a 25 year-old male.

Also on the scene was Gaston Police Department and Northampton County Emergency Management.

NC Wildlife is leading the investigation.