Eleven canoeists -- about half of which were found in the water or clinging to debris -- were pulled from the Saco River Monday in Fryeburg.

Rescuers were dispatched to a remote section of the river near mile marker 7 at around 4:30 p.m., after learning multiple people in canoes who had swamped their boats. 

“This portion of the river is one of the more remote sections of the Saco River in Fryeburg, with limited access and poor communications,” Fryeburg Fire Department posted on Facebook on Monday. “River conditions have remained high throughout the day after yesterday’s rain, with significant current containing substantial sized debris.” 

A raft crewed by people trained in water rescue was able to bring everyone to shore. They were then transported by boat out of the area. 

“Fortunately, the entire group was accounted for and safely removed from harm,” the post reads. “This incident could have had a very different outcome. We remind everyone that the river remains high, please check conditions prior to departing on your trip, life jackets save lives."

Fryeburg Fire Department, Fryeburg Rescue, Fryeburg police, Bridgton Fire and Rescue, Denmark Fire Department and the Conway Swift Water team participated in the rescue.