A young pilot successfully executed an emergency sea landing in front of beachgoers near Boca Raton, Florida, on Saturday, emerging uninjured from the incident. Faith Tenkley, 23, was flying a twin-engine plane from Fort Myers when mechanical problems arose approximately 15 miles offshore.
Tenkley, who was alone in the aircraft, was en route to pick up her parents in the Bahamas when the issues began. She told Gulf Coast Now that she initially considered an emergency landing at Boca Raton Airport. However, with her landing gear malfunctioning and the plane recently refueled, she feared a hard landing on the runway could pose a fire risk.
She opted to bring the aircraft down in the ocean, skillfully maneuvering the plane away from buildings and swimmers before landing in the water. Video footage shared on social media captured the plane's descent and landing.
Lifeguards responded within a minute, followed by a fire rescue boat. Tenkley was taken to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution, according to Boca Raton police. No injuries were reported among those on the beach or in the water.