Vero Beach, Florida – A single-engine Cessna Skyhawk crashed 2 to 3 miles offshore on the evening of June 1, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.

Marine Interdiction Agents from Air and Marine Operations responded immediately after being alerted by the Indian River Shores Police Department.

An AMO Fort Pierce Marine Unit joined search efforts alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local police.

A helicopter from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office detected three heat signatures in the water.

At approximately 9:50 p.m., AMO agents located two survivors. Shortly after, they found and rescued a third.

One of the individuals identified himself as the pilot and confirmed there were only three people aboard the aircraft.

Agents provided initial care, noting the pilot suffered from severe rib pain. He was transferred to a Coast Guard vessel for medical evaluation.

All three survivors were transported to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce for further treatment.

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