Honeymoon Island State Park briefly turned into an emergency landing zone Sunday afternoon when a small plane put down in the water just offshore. Everyone on board managed to get out, walk to land and was left with only minor injuries, according to city fire officials.
Plane lands about 25 yards offshore
According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, Dunedin Fire Rescue reported that the aircraft came to rest roughly 25 yards off the park's shoreline after the pilot declared an emergency. Fire crews checked out the people who had been on the plane and then examined the aircraft for any fuel leaks. They reported seeing no visible fuel in the water. Officials told FOX 13 that investigators have not yet determined what kind of emergency forced the landing, and the scene remains under investigation.
Honeymoon Island context
Honeymoon Island State Park sits at the western tip of the Dunedin Causeway and typically draws heavy summer crowds, so incidents just offshore are often visible from the beach. The park's official site warns that erosion and shifting sands can create unexpectedly deep water and strong currents near the sand spit and urges visitors to use "a high level of caution" when entering the water, according to Florida State Parks.
Multi-agency response
As reported by FOX 13 Tampa Bay, a multi-agency team responded on the water and along the shoreline. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office marine unit, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida State Parks and other regional partners all assisted. Dunedin crews helped bring the occupants to shore while medical personnel evaluated their injuries and public safety units secured the area.
What investigators say
Officials have not yet released additional information about the type of aircraft involved, how many people were on board or what triggered the emergency. Agencies at the scene said they will provide further updates as the investigation moves forward and asked anyone with video, photos or first-hand details to share that information with law enforcement.
