A pilot and passenger who were taking aerial photos of Hurricane Irma damage in the Florida Keys were rescued after their small plane crashed near the 7 Mile Bridge, officials said.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they responded to the crash around 9:30 a.m. Saturday about four miles north of the west end of the bridge.
The pilot had called 911 and FWC dispatched officers out of Marathon and Bahia Honda and the U.S. Coast Guard sent a vessel from USCG Station Marathon, officials said.
When officers arrived the plane was completely submerged, but the pilot and passenger were able to hold onto two commercial trap buoys to float, officials said.
The pilot and passenger were pulled from the water in good condition. FWC is completing an incident report that will be turned over to the FAA.
