A pilot is speaking out after making an emergency water landing off the coast of Boca Raton on Saturday, detailing the moments leading up to the landing and thanking the first responders who helped keep everyone safe.
Faith Tenkley, 23, released a statement to WPTV describing what happened before she brought the plane down into the water.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude for the concern and support following my unexpected water landing yesterday. I am incredibly fortunate and relieved to share that I was able to swim away from this incident. After deciding a landing at Boca Raton Airport was not the safest option I continued to the coast. During the descent my primary focus was ensuring the safety of everyone around me. I was able to navigate toward open water, successfully avoiding all nearby buildings, paddleboarders, and swimmers (as well as individuals using metal detectors). I am incredibly fortunate and relieved to share that I was able to swim away from this incident," Tenkley said.
She also thanked those who responded. "I want to extend my thanks to ATC for being prepared, as well as the lifeguards, firefighters, and police officers whose rapid response and professionalism ensured everyone's safety. As well as any witnesses who called for help," Tenkley said.
The scene left a lasting impression on people nearby. Brett Goorland, a tourist visiting from New York, was snorkeling in the water when the plane passed overhead.
"Looked down it was a school of snook, looked up a plane came over us — about 10 feet over us," Goorland said. "Very shortly after it splashed down right there about a mile down from the beach."
Boca Raton resident Brendan Lee said he was relieved to hear everyone was safe. "I'm so glad she's okay. I heard it was one person so I'm very happy about that," Lee said.
The cause of the emergency landing remains under investigation.
