KODIAK -- The U.S. Coast Guard said two Israeli kayakers were rescued after strong wind and high seas prevented them from returning to shore.

The Coast Guard said the two unidentified men had been kayaking Thursday around the Kenai Peninsula from Seward when the wind began gusting more than 35 mph.

It said the men sent an emergency beacon with their location and the Coast Guard put out a call for help from nearby vessels. An air crew then located the men but they said they did not want to abandon their kayaks.