Man rescues couple from Finger Lake

PALMER -- A Wasilla man rescued a couple whose canoe capsized Saturday afternoon on Finger Lake, stranding them in 33-degree water for nearly a half hour, Alaska State Troopers reported.

Robert Russel, 35, and Yolanda Hernandez, 28, were on Finger Lake in a 15-foot Coleman canoe when they both moved inside the canoe and it capsized, sending them into the icy water.

Russel lost his life jacket in the fall, but Hernandez was able to hold onto him and keep them both afloat for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

James Hill, who was arriving home from work, heard cries of help coming from the lake. He managed to find a life jacket and a canoe and reach the couple.

Russel, who could not swim without his life jacket, was reported to be underwater at the time and Hernandez had to keep them both above water with her life jacket.

Hill was able to pull the two ashore with the canoe and remove their clothes, wrapping them in warm blankets. He transported them to his residence, where he continued giving assistance until medics arrived.

Russel and Hernandez were taken to Valley Hospital and treated for hypothermia.