A seaplane carrying eight people made an emergency landing in New York City’s East River on Sunday afternoon, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews. All eight occupants were safely rescued, and only two people suffered minor injuries.

The aircraft came down near the NY Skyport Seaplane Base, the city’s only seaplane terminal, along the East River near East 23rd Street and the FDR Drive. Firefighters and marine rescue units arrived within minutes and pulled everyone from the aircraft before it was towed back to the dock.

According to the New York City Fire Department, the emergency call came shortly after noon. Responders found the aircraft floating upright in the water, allowing rescue crews to evacuate the passengers quickly and safely. Two people sustained minor injuries but declined transportation to a hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 seaplane. Preliminary information indicates that a wing strut snapped during the hard landing, leaving the aircraft disabled in the river. The flight had departed from East Hampton on Long Island and was approaching the Manhattan seaplane terminal when the incident occurred.

The cause of the emergency remains under investigation. Air traffic control recordings indicate the pilot declared a “Mayday” shortly before landing in the river, while NYPD helicopters were dispatched after reports that an aircraft had gone down in the water.

Videos from the scene showed firefighters, police boats, and other rescue vessels surrounding the partially submerged aircraft as passengers were evacuated one by one. After the rescue operation concluded, the plane was righted and towed to a nearby dock while authorities secured the area and began their investigation.

{Matzav.com}