Coast Guard, Air Force rescue 11 after aircraft experiences engine failure

The U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force conducted a search and rescue of 11 adults after their aircraft went down near Melbourne, Fla., on Tuesday following an engine failure.

All passengers, who were flying from the Bahamas, are reportedly in stable condition. The incident is under investigation by Bahamian authorities, according to a Coast Guard news release.

“The seamless coordination among all responding agencies directly contributed to the successful rescue of 11 survivors from the downed aircraft,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Omar Colon, a command duty officer at Southeast Coast Guard District.

Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders were notified Tuesday morning of the incident and initiated response efforts. A HC-130J Combat King II aircrew from Patrick Space Force Base, already airborne on a training mission, located the downed aircraft and distressed passengers, the release said.

A U.S. Air Force 920th Air Rescue Wing HH-60W Jolly Green helicopter crew hoisted the passengers and transported them to medical care at Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

“Their rapid response, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to saving lives were instrumental in bringing everyone home safely,” Colon said.

The 920th Rescue Wing, the Air Force Reserve’s only combat search and rescue wing, routinely conducts rescue operations and training missions in support of civil authorities, national defense objectives and humanitarian response efforts.

“This rescue highlights the readiness, professionalism and interoperability our airmen train for every day,” said Col. Chadd Bloomstine, the commander of the 920th Operations Group. “Our crews were already airborne conducting training when the call came in, and they immediately transitioned from training to real-world rescue operations alongside our Coast Guard and interagency partners. We are proud to have played a role in bringing 11 people home safely.”