Marine Interdiction Agents from Air and Marine Operations, part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, responded to a plane crash off the coast of Vero Beach on Sunday. The agents successfully located and rescued three survivors in a coordinated effort with multiple agencies.
On the evening of June 1, the AMO Fort Pierce Marine Unit was informed by the Indian River Shores Police Department about a single-engine Cessna Skyhawk that had crashed approximately 2 to 3 miles offshore.
AMO crews quickly joined search and rescue operations already being conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Indian River Shores Police Department.
An Indian River County Sheriff’s Office helicopter detected three heat signatures in the water, leading to a concentrated search. Around 9:50 p.m., AMO Marine Interdiction Agents found two survivors. Shortly after, they discovered a third individual who identified himself as the pilot and confirmed that only three people were aboard at the time of the crash.
The agents assessed the pilot's condition, noting severe rib pain, before transferring him to a Coast Guard vessel for further medical evaluation by Emergency Medical Technicians.
All three survivors were taken to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce for additional medical treatment by local fire rescue teams.
AMO continues its commitment to protecting lives and aiding partner agencies in search and rescue missions along coastal regions.
For more information on Air and Marine Operations, visit www.cbp.gov or follow AMO on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is described as "America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization" with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding America through various means including innovation and collaboration.
