Rescue crews describe saving couple after plane crash in Narragansett Bay

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — A pilot and passenger were rescued after their plane crashed into the Narragansett Bay near Quonset Point on Saturday afternoon.

“Certainly when you get a call for a plane crash, there is a lot that is going through your mind to mentally prepare for what you may see,” said Marine Patrol Lieutenant Jeff Mercer.

The crash happened a half mile from the Quonset State Airport just before 3 p.m. Saturday.

After the crash, the couple escaped from the sinking plane and were treading water until help arrived.

“We didn’t know what was going on. We were preparing for the worst,” Mercer said. “We had guys suiting up to go in the water. Fortunately, we didn’t have to go in and we got them onto the boat quickly.”

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management assisted in the rescue efforts by sending a four-person crew from the Division of Law Enforcement in Wickford.

“We respond to a lot of boat accidents, but a plane crash is a new one to us,” Mercer added. “We did not have a lot of information, as far as what had happened, just that a plane had crashed.”

“We did not know how big the plane was or how many people were on board,” he continued. “We were preparing for the worst, but it was a good outcome.”

Neither passenger was hurt, but one was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.

“They were surprisingly calm for the situation,” Mercer said. “They did not have life jackets, so they had to tread water for quite a bit amount of time, especially in the cold waters.”

“We got them on board the boat and they were very professional and calm,” he added.

The pilot of the small plane told the rescue crew that the plane lost power before it could land.

The incident is under investigation.