Eleven individuals emerged alive from a small plane that went down into the ocean approximately 80 miles off the coast of Melbourne, Florida, on Tuesday. The survivors spent about five hours adrift on a life raft before rescue crews located them.
The twin-engine turboprop airplane, identified as a Beechcraft 300 King Air, was en route from Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, to Grand Bahama International Airport in Freeport when it experienced engine failure. A distress signal was reportedly issued around 11 a.m.
Rescuers from the U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force reservists, specifically the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Space Force Base, were involved in the operation. Crewmembers aboard an HH-60W Jolly Green helicopter successfully hoisted all 11 survivors from the life raft. The rescue mission reportedly concluded with minimal fuel remaining.
The survivors were transported to Melbourne Orlando International Airport, where emergency medical services were awaiting them. Officials have not immediately provided information regarding the extent of their injuries or medical conditions.
Read More: 11 Survivors Rescued After Bahamas Plane Crashes Off Florida
During their wait for assistance, the survivors reportedly huddled under a tarp for protection as an approaching thunderstorm loomed. A survival kit, including additional rafts, food, and water, was dropped to them by a U.S. Coast Guard C-27 aircraft. The emergency locator transmitter on the aircraft played a role in alerting authorities to the downed flight.
