Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to downed aircraft, locate 2 people deceased near St. Lucie Inlet

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom

Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to downed aircraft, locate 2 people deceased near St. Lucie Inlet

MIAMI — The Coast Guard along with partner agencies located the remains of two people involved in a downed aircraft incident Saturday approximately 20 miles east of St. Lucie Inlet.

The Miami Air Traffic Control Center notified Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders of a suspected downed aircraft at approximately 11:45 a.m. The pilot stated to the ARTCC he was changing course for weather avoidance and shortly after, they lost communication.

Coast Guard crews and partner agencies located a debris field approximately 20 miles east of St. Lucie Inlet and the sole two occupants of the aircraft deceased. 

Assisting in the search were:

  • St. Lucie County Marine Unit
  • Martin County Sheriff's Office
  • Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • Miami Tow Boat 
  • Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter
  • Coast Guard Station Lake Worth Inlet 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement
  • Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce 45-foot Response Boat—Medium
  • Coast Guard Cutter Sawfish

Investigations or further inquiry into this matter will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board or Federal Aviation Administration.

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-USCG-