Rescue helicopter saves 11 after Atlantic plane crash

By Dean Murray

A US military helicopter on a training flight was called into action to rescue 11 survivors from a plane crash.

Air Force Reserve airmen assigned to the 920th Rescue Wing assisted in the sea rescue of survivors from a downed civilian aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 80 miles east of Melbourne, Florida, on Tuesday, May 12.

Dramatic scenes show the helicopter circling the life rafts before hoisting the survivors to safety.

At the time of the alert, a 920th Rescue Wing HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter crew was already airborne, conducting a routine training mission. The crew was redirected to assist in the search and rescue effort after receiving a request to investigate the transmitter signal.

Working alongside interagency partners, including the Coast Guard and additional Air Force rescue assets, the wing aircrew helped locate and recover 11 Bahamian adults from a life raft near the downed aircraft.

The helicopter crew hoisted all 11 survivors and transported them to awaiting emergency medical services at Melbourne Orlando International Airport. All survivors were reported to be in a stable condition.

"This rescue highlights the readiness, professionalism and interoperability our airmen train for every day," said Air Force Col. Chadd Bloomstine, 920th Operations Group commander. "They immediately transitioned from training to real-world rescue operations alongside our Coast Guard and interagency partners. We are proud to have played a role in bringing 11 people home safely."

The civilian aircraft reportedly departed Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, and was en route to Freeport, Bahamas, when it experienced engine failure. Bahamian authorities will investigate the cause of the incident.