ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — Officials are investigating a helicopter crash off the coast of Anna Maria Island Wednesday morning.
- 3 pulled from helicopter after it crashes into water
- 2 taken to area hospital; 1 uninjured
Manatee County Emergency Communications Center officials said the helicopter, which was 10 - 15 feet off the water, crashed two miles off Manatee Public Beach just before 11 a.m.
Witnesses on the beach said the helicopter was flying low about a half-mile from the shore when they heard a loud boom and witnessed the aircraft go into the water.
A good Samaritan was able to pull the occupants of the helicopter onto a boat and called 911. The boaters then brough the victims from Holmes Beach to the the Coquina Beach boat ramp where they were met by EMS.
“Through the coordination of the good Samaritan’s, local authorities and crewmen on our boat, we were able to rapidly and safely transport the crash victims to advanced medical care,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Lettington, the coxswain on the RBS.
The helicopter's pilot, Stanley Lee of Sarasota, and a passenger, Thomas McKnight, were transported to Blake Hospital. Lee is listed in critical condition.
The third person rescued, Peter Bowden, reportedly only suffered superficial injuries and was not transported to the hospital.