2 kayakers rescued after hours in chilly bay water

TIBURON, Calif. (KTVU) - Two people survived more than two hours in the frigid bay waters after their kayak capsized near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge over the weekend.

The Highway Patrol said on Saturday at 8:15 p.m. the two kayakers, both 21, called 911 from their cell phone asking for help after their kayak tipped over.

Rescue crews used boats, helicopters and an infrared camera to search for the boaters. 

They finally located the pair about a quarter-mile off the shore of Tiburon.

That's about two-and-a-half miles from where the kayak capsized.

The victims were examined for "cold exposure," but neither was hypothermic, San Rafael Fire Battalion Chief Matt Windrem said.

The CHP said the life jackets the boaters were wearing were instrumental in their survivial, noting it is extremely difficult to stay afloat for two plus hours, especially in the cold temperatures of the bay waters.