14 rescue volunteers rescued after wind slams boat against rocks

A half-submerged rescue vessel floats in the Fraser River the day after an accident near Richmond, B.C. Dec. 12, 2014. (CTV/Chopper 9)

RICHMOND, B.C. - Fourteen people who were rescued from a boat that hit a rock wall in the Fraser River in Richmond, B.C., were in training to save others in a similar situation.

John Horton, captain of the search and rescue vessel that belongs to the Canadian Lifeboat Institution, says high winds and heavy rain swept the boat sideways and slammed it onto the rocks on Thursday night.

Horton says five people were rescued by another boat that belongs to the group while nine others were plucked to safety by members of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the Canadian Coast Guard.

He says everyone was taken off the Steveston Lifeboat about 45 minutes after it hit the wall but the vessel was not in jeopardy of sinking though half of it is now sitting underwater.

Horton says the volunteers have taken part in 36 rescues this year.

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue spokesman Rob Duffus says the trainees were shaken up but not hurt.