Two pilots survived a plane crash last Friday, which occurred in waters near Old Fort Point, New Providence.

According to the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID), at approximately 4:30 p.m. a DC3 aircraft registration N437GB declared an emergency due to left engine failure and crashed in the ocean a short time thereafter. 

The two pilots onboard were rescued with minor injuries, by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and taken to the RBDF base. 

The aircraft subsequently sank and efforts are underway to recover it.

AAID explained that weather conditions at the time were reported as visual meteorological conditions.

According to the RBDF, vessels from the Coral Harbour Base as well as the Harbour Patrol Unit were immediately dispatched to investigate the matter after receiving a call reporting the crash. 

Patrol craft P-126, coxswained by Petty Officer Everette Rolle, found two life-jacket clad men, the pilots,  both Florida residents, in the vicinity of the crash, floating. 

“They rescued the men who were conscious, but obviously shaken up. They also recovered some of the items littering the waters from the downed aircraft and brought the two men safely to Coral Harbour Base,” the RBDF said in a statement.

“They were seen by force medical personnel and taken to hospital in RBDF ambulance for further medical examination. Representatives from Civil Aviation, the Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department and the Royal Bahamas Police Force were also present.”

 Investigations are ongoing.