Two Rescued from Small Plane Crash Off East Haven Coast in Multi-Agency Emergency Response Near Thimble Islands—Rescue Operation Led by USCG Station New Haven as Aircraft Remains Submerged; FAA and NTSB Launch Federal Investigation

In a dramatic and urgent response effort spanning land, air, and sea, two unidentified individuals were rescued after their small aircraft crashed into the waters off the coast of East Haven, Connecticut, early Sunday morning. The crash, which occurred approximately six miles southeast of Tweed New Haven Airport near the Thimble Islands, prompted a multi-agency emergency water rescue operation, culminating in both occupants being located and brought to safety.

The United States Coast Guard Station New Haven confirmed it successfully pulled the two individuals from the frigid Long Island Sound waters and transported them to Stony Creek Pier, where emergency medical services were standing by. Both occupants were reportedly in stable condition upon transfer to EMS personnel and are receiving further medical evaluation and treatment.

Timeline of the Incident

The chain of events began shortly before 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, when authorities received a distress call indicating that a small aircraft had crashed into the water off the coast of Branford, Connecticut, in the vicinity of 155 Burr Street. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a plane descending rapidly before disappearing beneath the water’s surface.

Initial 911 calls described “a low-flying plane making erratic movements,” followed moments later by “a splash and smoke plume.” First responders quickly converged on the scene, fearing a catastrophic outcome given the water temperatures and possible fuel leakage.

Multi-Agency Response Effort

A rapid and coordinated response was launched involving several local and federal entities. The New Haven Fire Department responded with Engines E16 and E4, Truck T3, Rescue R1, and Command Units C32 and C33. The East Haven Fire Department deployed Marine 1, while the Branford Fire Department launched both Marine 2 and Marine 5.

Additional assistance was requested from the West Haven Fire Department, which deployed a marine vessel. All units staged at Lighthouse Point Park for streamlined deployment to the search area, with incident command coordinating maritime traffic, aerial surveillance, and diver operations.

The U.S. Coast Guard, already patrolling the coastline from Station New Haven, was first on the water and initiated a surface search. According to officials, one of the plane’s occupants was seen clinging to debris in the water, while the second individual was momentarily unaccounted for, prompting fears of a fatality. However, both individuals were successfully located and rescued within a critical timeframe, averting what could have been a far graver outcome.

Aircraft Fully Submerged

Rescue divers and sonar-equipped boats confirmed that the aircraft is completely submerged beneath the waterline. The exact location of the wreckage is being triangulated by sonar scans from marine units on site. Due to tidal currents and siltation in the area around the Thimble Islands, the aircraft may have drifted from its initial impact point.

As of late morning, recovery operations had not begun, pending clearance and coordination with federal authorities. Environmental containment booms were deployed as a precautionary measure to mitigate potential fuel spillage or hazardous material release from the downed aircraft.

Investigation Underway

Officials have not released details on the aircraft’s model, registration, flight path, or ownership. It is unknown whether the flight originated or was destined for Tweed New Haven Airport, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to lead the crash investigation once the recovery phase concludes.

The NTSB has dispatched investigators from its Regional Aviation Unit, who are expected to arrive on site later today. Their responsibilities will include reviewing radar tracking data, air traffic control audio, and maintenance logs, as well as conducting interviews with the rescued individuals, who are considered key witnesses.

The FAA will assist in coordinating flight history and aircraft certification records, while local authorities continue to secure the scene and manage public safety logistics.

Public Safety and Emergency Coordination

The New Haven Office of Emergency Management praised the swift interdepartmental coordination that made the rescue possible.

“This was a textbook example of how multiple agencies can come together with speed and precision,” said OEM Director Karen Doyle. “From the 911 call to the last rescued passenger being placed in the ambulance, every link in the chain functioned exactly as it should. That’s why those two individuals are alive right now.”

The Branford Police Department has urged the public to avoid the shoreline area near Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands, as ongoing recovery and investigative operations are expected to continue into the night.

No Identities Released

At this time, the names of the two rescued individuals have not been released. According to Coast Guard protocols and HIPAA regulations, patient information will remain confidential until family members are notified and permissions are granted for public disclosure.

Sources close to the investigation have indicated that both individuals are adults, but their roles—pilot and passenger—have not been officially confirmed. It is also unclear whether either occupant was able to communicate with emergency responders at the scene.

Officials from Yale New Haven Hospital have stated that trauma units are on standby in case either individual requires specialized care, but as of now, both are reported to be in “non-critical condition.”

Local Impact and Area Response

The crash has deeply affected the coastal communities of East Haven, Branford, and New Haven, with many residents reporting seeing low-flying aircraft and hearing sirens blare shortly after sunrise. Residents near Burr Street and Lighthouse Road were briefly restricted from waterfront access as emergency boats moved into position.

Several local schools and daycares have been informed of the event and have implemented precautionary measures for shoreline-based outdoor activities. While no debris has been reported washing ashore, lifeguards and parks officials are conducting patrols along local beaches for safety.

Mayor Joseph Carfora of East Haven released a statement expressing relief that both individuals survived and gratitude toward the responders: “Today could have ended in unimaginable loss, but thanks to the brave men and women of our local fire departments, the Coast Guard, and supporting agencies, two lives were saved. We will continue to support their recovery and ensure the safety of our coastline as the investigation moves forward.”

Historical Context and Aviation Concerns

While rare, this is not the first incident involving small aircraft near Tweed New Haven Airport, which has seen a significant increase in regional flight activity over the past five years. The Long Island Sound region poses several navigational challenges, including rapidly shifting weather conditions, low-altitude marine traffic, and bird strike hazards.

The NTSB will examine all contributing factors, including weather reports, radio tower communications, and mechanical records to determine the cause of the crash.

Next Steps and Continuing Coverage

As rescue operations conclude and recovery begins, all eyes turn to the formal investigation. The FAA and NTSB are expected to conduct interviews, retrieve the wreckage (which may involve cranes or lift bags depending on its depth), and release a preliminary report within 10 business days.

Until then, public speculation about the flight’s origin, destination, and cause will remain just that—speculation. Officials have urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information.

Information Requests and Public Assistance

Authorities are requesting that any individuals who witnessed the crash, took video or photographs of the rescue, or have information relevant to the aircraft’s flight provide that to the appropriate channels. Tips may be submitted to:

• New Haven Emergency Communications Center: (203) 946-6316
• Branford Police Department (Marine Division): (203) 481-4241
• FAA Safety Hotline: 1-800-255-1111
• NTSB Public Witness Submission Portal:  information.

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