Archive image: A U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter aircrew prepares to land during a Search and Rescue Exercise.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis.
MIAMI – Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders coordinated the rescue of 11 survivors from a plane crash approximately 80 nautical miles off Melbourne, Florida.
A U.S. Air Force 920th Air Rescue Wing HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter aircrew conducted the rescue of the 11 plane crash survivors from a life raft. They were flown to awaiting emergency medical services (EMS) at Melbourne Orlando International Airport in stable condition.
It is reported the civilian aircraft had engine failure. Bahamian authorities will be investigating the cause of the incident.
“The outstanding support from Patrick Space Force Base and the seamless coordination among all responding agencies directly contributed to the successful rescue of 11 survivors from the downed aircraft,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Omar Colon, a command duty officer, Coast Guard Southeast District. “Their rapid response, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to saving lives were instrumental in bringing everyone home safely.”
Airmen with the 920th RQW rescued multiple survivors from the water and transported them to awaiting emergency medical personnel.
United States Air Force video by Gwendolyn Kurzen.
Air Force Reserve.
920th Rescue Wing.
U.S. Coast Guard.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast.
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.
An emergency locator transmitted from a twin-engine turbo prop airplane notified Southeast District watchstanders the people were in distress, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at approximately 11 a.m.
A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-27J Spartan aircrew was launched to search, in addition to a Patrick Space Force Base HC-130J Combat King II aircrew who were already airborne conducting a training mission when the civilian aircraft and raft were spotted.
Airmen with the 920th RQW rescued multiple survivors from the water and transported them to awaiting emergency medical personnel.
U.S. Air Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen.
The airplane reportedly left Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, and was headed for Freeport.
Coast Guard Southeast District crews remain ready to respond to maritime emergencies across the district. Through seamless coordination between Coast Guard watchstanders, operational crews and partner agencies, responders executed a rapid search and rescue (SAR) response to protect lives and safeguard the maritime community.
–USCG–
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