NEW YORK — A seaplane made a dramatic hard landing and crashed into the East River off Manhattan’s east side on Sunday, drawing a massive emergency response along the FDR Drive. Authorities confirmed that all occupants onboard were successfully rescued and are safe.
The incident unfolded in the afternoon when the aircraft encountered trouble during a landing attempt on the river. Witness accounts and initial emergency reports indicate the aircraft hit the water hard, disabling the plane and leaving it adrift near the heavily trafficked Manhattan shoreline.
First responders, including the NYPD Harbor Unit and FDNY Marine Division, rushed to the scene alongside the FDR Drive. Rescue crews quickly intercepted the aircraft and safely pulled all occupants from the water. Emergency personnel confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
Following the successful rescue, marine units secured the aircraft and began towing the partially submerged plane away from the active shipping channels.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to investigate the exact cause of the hard landing. Updates will be provided as more details from the investigation become available.
