Two people rescued after small plane crashes near Turks and Caicos Islands

Search and rescue efforts were successful off the coast of the Turks and Caicos Islands for two occupants of a plane that crashed into nearby waters on Saturday.

The Royal Turks and Turks Police said in an update that the two occupants of a plane were rescued yesterday at around 3:28 p.m. following an intensive maritime search around Providenciales.

The occupants – two men – were taken for medical treatment.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police confirmed that shortly after noon the air tower received a report of an aircraft landing on water (ditching) approximately 11 miles from Northwest Point, Providenciales.

The plane had taken off from the United States and experienced an engine failure.

A strategic coordination group comprising representatives from RT&CIPF, TCI Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Authority, Department of Disaster and Emergency Management and Ministry of Health has been activated to coordinate the search and rescue.

The group worked closely with OpBat partners and received confirmation that a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter successfully rescued the two people after three hours.

The victims were brought to shore.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mat Newton said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude and acknowledge the invaluable support of our national and international partners.

“This successful rescue operation is a testament to our collective strength and coordination. With the full support of our US partners and the local maritime community, I extend my sincere thanks to our OpBat partners and the crew of the US Coast Guard helicopter, as well as the maritime branch of the RT&CIPF, to staff of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), the Department of Fisheries and Resource Management, Caribbean Cruisin and TCI Search and Rescue Association vessels.

“We are currently in the process of opening an investigation into the accident in close liaison with the Civil Aviation Authority.”