CEDAR KEY, Fla. — As agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection were conducting joint operations close to Cedar Key recently, they discovered something they hadn't been looking for: A man standing on top of a sinking airplane.
What You Need To Know
- Customs and Border Protection agents were recently conducting a joint operation with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico
- During the operation, they found a man standing on a sinking airplane
- He was found about a half mile from George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key, Fla.
CBP's Air and Marine Operations Tampa Marine Unit was working with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office on Nov. 9, when they noticed the downed plane about a half mile from George T. Lewis Airport in Cedar Key, Fla.
"As agents and deputies approached the sinking plane, an individual was spotted climbing out and standing on the fuselage," CBP said in a statement. "Agents verified the pilot was the only occupant and were able to assist him onboard an AMO Coastal Interceptor Vessel."
The man, who was not identified, was rescued from the plane and agents gave him a medical assessment while waiting for local emergency personnel to arrive.
CBP Deputy Director of Marine Operations Michael Matthies commended the agents and deputies on the scene for finding the man and getting to him before it was too late.
"The situational awareness and quick actions of the Marine Interdiction Agents and Sheriff’s Deputies prevented a possible human tragedy," he said. "We are thankful we have the proper resources and trained personnel to perform when incidents like this present themselves.”
CBP did not immediately release any information on the condition of the pilot or what caused him to crash into the ocean.
