HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert was among those who rescued four people after their tour aircraft crashed near Davis Islands on Thursday.
Around 5:07 p.m., according to Tampa police, the chopper was making its way back to Peter O. Knight Airport when the pilot allegedly heard a loud bang and then lost power.
Approximately 300 feet from the airport's beach, the helicopter landed in the water near the Davis Islands Yacht Club.
Good Samaritans on jet skis saved three passengers, including a 62-year-old male, a 59-year-old lady, and a 28-year-old man. The Marine Unit of the Tampa Police Department saved the 33-year-old pilot.
Officers reported that nobody was hurt and that all four passengers made it safely to shore.
Video of the helicopter floating in the water before it started to sink was posted by witnesses.
According to Tampa Fire Rescue, one person was saved by the Tampa Police Department Marine Unit, and good samaritans saved three people on jet skis.
A boat from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit also provided assistance.
The FAA and NTSB are helping with the recovery of the chopper, according to the police.
Regarding the recovery of the helicopter, the police stated that they are collaborating with the FAA and NTSB.
The FAA and NTSB are helping with the recovery of the chopper, according to the police.
Investigations into the collision will continue.
