U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, and his pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night.
The Bonanza aircraft lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport following Tiffany's appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. The pilot executed an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau.
As the plane began to fill with water and sink, Tiffany and the pilot exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area. They were subsequently rescued by boat by emergency responders.
Both were transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries. Tiffany expressed his gratitude to the pilot and first responders for their swift actions.
"God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side," Tiffany said in a statement. "An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is."
The cause of the reported power loss is currently under investigation. Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District.