Eight individuals were rescued after a seaplane made a hard landing in New York City’s East River on Sunday afternoon. The incident prompted a swift emergency response near the city’s only seaplane terminal, as reported by officials.
The New York City Fire Department received a call at 12:01 p.m. about a plane in the water near the NY Skyport at East 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan. Fire crews arrived to find the seaplane upright in the water. FDNY units successfully removed all eight people aboard. The aircraft was later towed back to a nearby dock.
According to the FDNY, two civilians sustained minor injuries but declined medical attention at the scene. No further injuries have been reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 seaplane. The pilot made a hard landing in the East River around noon, causing a wing strut to snap. The seaplane had departed from East Hampton Airport on Long Island and was heading to the Skyport seaplane terminal in Manhattan.
New York City’s East Side features the NY Skyport, the city’s sole seaplane terminal, offering scheduled and charter flights throughout the Northeast.
The FAA noted eight people were aboard the aircraft registered as N726SH. The agency is investigating the incident, with information subject to further updates.
Air traffic control recordings captured moments surrounding the event, including the pilot declaring a mayday. Radio traffic also reported a New York City Police Department helicopter responding to a ‘plane down in the water.’
The identities of the pilot or passengers have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear what led to the hard landing. Video footage from the scene showed first responders as they surrounded the floating seaplane, working to evacuate those aboard. Additional footage depicted the seaplane being towed back to the dock following the rescue efforts.
The incident led to a significant emergency response along the East River waterfront, with FDNY marine units and other responders converging on the location.
The FAA advised directing inquiries about the people on board to local authorities.