Federal Agents Conduct Marine Operation for Pilot Standing on Sinking Plane

Federal agents were able to help a pilot they spotted climbing out of his sinking aircraft in Florida.

The plane went down and landed in the water off Cedar Key, which is roughly a hundred miles north of Tampa along Florida’s Gulf Coast, CNN reported.

Photos provided by US Customs and Border Protection show a small propeller-powered plane, sinking near the George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key, and water was almost completely covering the plane’s cockpit while the pilot, a man standing on top.

“As agents and deputies approached the sinking plane, an individual was spotted climbing out and standing on the fuselage. Agents verified the pilot was the only occupant and were able to assist him on board an AMO (Air and Marine Operations) Coastal Interceptor Vessel,” according to the release.

Luckily the CPB’s Tampa Marine Unit and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit were doing joint operations off the coast of Cedar Key that day and were able to assist in the air rescue.

“The situational awareness and quick actions of the Marine Interdiction Agents and Sheriff’s Deputies prevented a possible human tragedy,” said Michael Matthies, Deputy Director of Marine Operations. “We are thankful we have the proper resources and trained personnel to perform when incidents like this present themselves.”