NATCHEZ, Miss. (AP) — A party of alligator hunters has been rescued after a boating accident on the Mississippi River near Natchez.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks reports the hunters were in a boat whose motor caught fire in waters south of Waterproof, Louisiana, located about 30 miles north of Natchez.

Alligator Program Coordinator Ricky Flynt says the accident happened about 4:30 a.m. Saturday. Six people were rescued and transported to a Louisiana sheriff’s office. The hunters, who had varying injuries, refused medical treatment.

Flynt says the boat apparently collided with a rock dike. Both the motor and hull were damaged the boat eventually sunk.

Alligator hunting season on public waters in Mississippi began on Friday and continues through noon, Sept. 10.