Overview
- A Beechcraft King Air crashed into the Atlantic around 12:05 p.m. Tuesday about 50 miles east of Vero Beach, and U.S. crews later hoisted all 11 people from a life raft.
- The group drifted for about five hours with no way to call for help as storms built, and the last hoist beat the helicopter’s fuel cutoff by minutes.
- The aircraft departed Marsh Harbour bound for Freeport in the Bahamas, and officials say the pilot declared an emergency before ditching.
- An emergency locator transmitter on the plane sent a signal that led a nearby Air Force training flight to the raft, where crews first dropped food, water, and extra rafts.
- All were taken to Melbourne Orlando International Airport in stable condition, and U.S. and Bahamian agencies are investigating with engine trouble unconfirmed and no wreckage found.