10 rescued after Bahamas-origin plane crashes off Florida coast

A U.S. Coast Guard rescue operation on Tuesday successfully recovered all 10 people aboard a small aircraft that crashed off the Florida coast shortly after departing The Bahamas, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 12:05 p.m. about 50 miles east of Vero Beach Regional Airport after the aircraft left Marsh Harbour Airport en route to Grand Bahama International Airport, according to officials.

The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft 300 King Air (BE30), registration HP-1859, had previously departed Leonard Thompson International Airport before the emergency unfolded.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority said the pilot declared an emergency while en route and communication with air traffic control was subsequently lost. Air traffic control centers in Freeport and Nassau activated emergency protocols and notified the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Royal Bahamas Police Force, the United States Coast Guard, and BASRA.

Search and rescue teams later located the downed aircraft off the coast of Fort Pierce, where all 10 occupants were rescued. Officials said three people sustained injuries and were transported for medical evaluation by emergency services.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active, and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined. No additional details have been released.