Volunteer fire departments, the Duplin County Sheriff's Department, Search and Rescue, even a North Carolina Highway Patrol Helicopter called out for two young Marines stranded on the Cape Fear River.

"My understanding was they were floating down the river and needed some help," said volunteer fireman, Jeff Marshburn.

Sheriff Blake Wallace told NewsChannel 12 seven Camp Lejeune Marines took a float on the river from the Chinquapin boating access point off Highway 41.

Five of the Marines hopped off at Deep Bottom Bridge, the two others floated on. All seven were supposed to meet back up at Wayne's Landing. When the two rafters did not show after a while, the five other Marines called for help.

"Northeast Fire Department, Chinquapin Fire Department, Kenansville Fire Department had members here," said Marshburn. "Pinhook... I think a couple from Potter's Hill... The Sheriff's Department, the Duplin County Search and Rescue Team, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol."

Marshburn said the water in the river was too shallow for search and rescue boats to float most of the river, so crews had to drag their boats as they searched.

A Highway Patrol helicopter from Raleigh spotted the two Marines in the river. Search and rescue crews walked through the shallow water to get the Marines to shore safe and sound.

Sheriff Wallace declined to release the names of the Marines. None of the search and rescue agencies would confirm if alcohol was a factor in this incident.