Marine Units Rescue Pilot after Plane Crashes into Ocean

On November 9 training operations were being held offshore Cedar Key, Florida by Citrus County Sherrif’s Office Tactical Impact Unit and the Tampa Marine Unit collaboratively.

During the routine training, both agents and deputies spotted an aircraft that appeared to be floating in the distance.

As the team went to investigate, they were able to see the plane was sinking. The pilot, began exiting out of the plane wreckage as the team arrived just in time to rescue him.

Michael Matthies, Deputy Director of Marine Operations said, “The situational awareness and quick actions of the Marine Interdiction Agents and Sheriff’s Deputies prevented a possible human tragedy.”