SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Just as emergency responders began lowering boats into Slippery Rock Creek Wednesday night, the two missing boaters they sought appeared.

The two men, one in a kayak and another in a canoe, were reported missing in a rainstorm by a family member, according to Ryan Hanchosky, chief of the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department. The family member had been in touch with the pair via cell phone and called for help shortly after 9:30 p.m., when they lost cell phone service.

State Trooper David Wellington said the men were Adam Maccangless, 36, and John Veccrio.

The pair hit the water at Rock Falls Park in the morning and eventually met their would-be rescuers off West Park Road in Worth Township.

At one point, the canoe capsized. The pair managed to get the boat to land and pour out its water load before continuing on. They were in touch with the family member after this occurred, Wellington said.

“The creek was rising and was pretty dirty,” Hanchosky said. “It could’ve been dangerous, especially since the creek is pretty deep in some places. It was pretty much pitch black, storming and they had no cell service.”

Hanchosky said water rescue teams from Butler County and Pine Township were dispatched, plus his own fire department and Grove City Volunteer Fire Department. The incident was reported around 9:30 p.m.