During a military training mission in the area, a raft was accidentally discovered floating near the crashed aircraft and immediate action was taken.
Florida, USA – Eleven rescued A small plane crashed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida on Tuesday and was rescued from a life raft, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials said the plane, which took off from Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas, crashed due to apparent engine failure about 80 miles from shore.
Rescuers from the Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force rushed to the scene after aircrews on a training mission spotted the downed plane and survivors on a raft.
cbs news report Rescue efforts began as thunderstorms moved into the area.
“As we were flying over them and identifying them, a thunderstorm was coming, so they covered them with tarps so they wouldn’t be exposed,” said Maj. Elizabeth Piowaty, HC-130J Combat King II captain.
The helicopter crew rescued all 11 survivors in the life rafts and transported them to shore for treatment. All people are reported to be in stable condition, officials said.
Coast Guard officials said survivors were unable to communicate after the accident.
“They didn’t know we were coming (to rescue them) until we were directly overhead,” Capt. Rory Whipple said.
Bahamian officials are continuing to investigate.
“The outstanding support from Patrick Space Force Base and seamless coordination among all responding agencies directly contributed to the successful rescue of 11 survivors from the downed aircraft,” Master Sergeant Omar Colon said in a statement. “Their quick response, professionalism and unwavering commitment to saving lives helped get everyone home safely.”
