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Key West, FL - A U.S. Navy aviator was successfully rescued after ejecting from a plane off the coast of Key West on Wednesday morning.
The dramatic rescue unfolded on Wednesday morning off the coast of Key West as the U.S. Navy successfully saved one of its aviators who had ejected from a plane.
The incident involved an aviator from Fighter Squadron Composite VFC-111, known as the Sun Downers, a Reserve adversary squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Key West.
At approximately 9:20 a.m., the aviator ejected from the plane, which had taken off from Naval Air Station Key West.
The incident occurred about 25 miles away from Boca Chica Field.
Swift action was taken by a Naval Air Station search and rescue helicopter, which located and rescued the aviator from the water.
The aviator was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they were seen walking off the helicopter at the hospital's helipad.
U.S. Navy Capt. Geoff Hughes expressed gratitude for the efficient response of the Key West Search and Rescue unit and the medical staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Later that evening, it was confirmed that the aviator had been released from the hospital.