Eight Rescued After Seaplane Makes Hard Landing in East River

Eight individuals were rescued following a seaplane’s hard landing in New York City’s East River on a Sunday afternoon. The swift emergency response was initiated by firefighters when the aircraft landed near the city’s sole seaplane terminal.

The New York City Fire Department reported receiving a call at 12:01 p.m., indicating a plane had landed in the water near the NY Skyport at East 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan. Upon their arrival, fire crews discovered the seaplane upright in the water. FDNY personnel promptly evacuated all eight occupants and subsequently towed the aircraft back to a nearby dock.

Two individuals experienced minor injuries but declined medical care at the scene. No further injuries were reported at that time.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later identified the aircraft as a Kodiak 100 seaplane. According to the FAA, the pilot executed a hard landing in the East River around noon, resulting in a snapped wing strut.

The plane had departed earlier from East Hampton Airport on Long Island and was en route to the Skyport seaplane terminal in Manhattan, as noted by both The New York Times and CNN.

The NY Skyport on Manhattan’s East Side serves as New York City’s only seaplane terminal, facilitating scheduled and charter flights to various destinations across the Northeast.

The FAA confirmed that the aircraft, registered as N726SH, had eight people aboard and announced an investigation into the occurrence. Preliminary details provided by the agency are subject to change.

Recorded air traffic control exchanges captured the incident’s progression, including the pilot’s urgent mayday declaration before the plane’s descent into the river. Separate communications noted a New York City Police Department helicopter responding to a report of a “plane down in the water.” Authorities have yet to identify the pilot or passengers, and the circumstances leading to the hard landing remain unclear.

Footage from the site depicted first responders encircling the seaplane, which remained afloat in the East River, as rescue operations removed those onboard. Additional video evidenced the aircraft’s towing back toward the dock after rescuers completed their efforts.

A substantial emergency response was deployed to the East River waterfront. FDNY marine units, alongside other first responders, gathered at the scene.

The FAA has directed inquiries about those on board to local authorities. Fox News Digital has approached the New York City Police Department for additional details.

This incident underscores the importance of quick emergency responses and careful investigations following aviation accidents. Details are still emerging, and ongoing inquiries will provide further insights into the situation.